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What does it mean to be wrongfully discharged?

On Behalf of | May 28, 2018 | Employment Litigation

Losing a job is a difficult event to go through. We all need a job to ensure our financial needs are met. However, a loss of a job is not always a person’s fault. In some cases, an employee might be discriminated against. And based on this act of discrimination, an employee has lost their job. In other cases, an employee has taken steps to report the misconduct of an employer. Because of this claim, an employer has decided to take measures to fire an employee as a form of retaliation.

What does it mean to be wrongfully discharged? To begin, employees should be aware that there are ways for employers to inadvertently expose themselves to a wrongful discharge suit. This occurs when an employer unlawfully terminates an employee. When an employee is at-will, this means that there is no contract, and an employer is able to fire an employee for any reason so long as it is legal.

Anti-discrimination laws prohibit employers from taking adverse action against employees on the basis of any protected characteristic. This means that they can not be terminated based on their race, gender, age, national origin, religion, pregnancy or disability. In some states, this extends to gender orientation as well. Additionally, whistleblower rights protect employees from being terminated as a form of retaliation. An employee has the right to report illegal or unethical acts by an employer without the fear of being fired for doing so.

No one wants to lose a job, especially when it is unlawfully taken away from them. If you believe you were wrongfully discharged, it is important to understand your situation and explore your options. This will arm you with the information you need to take action and protect your rights.

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