At-will employment means that your employer does not need a reason to fire you. However, if you suspect that your employment has been terminated out of retaliation for blowing the whistle or reporting issues, you can fight for compensation.
There are certain reasons that an employer cannot fire you for, even in an at-will employment situation. These reasons include:
- Acting as a whistleblower
- Reporting injuries
- Taking maternity leave
- Reporting unsafe work situations or negative work environments
- Reporting discrimination or harassment
Discrimination against pregnant or expecting mothers is sometimes disallowed, though that may vary from state to state. However, you may always contest reasons that revolve around the reporting of unsafe, negative or harmful work environments. Bringing attention to problems should not be a punishable offense, which is why you can fight against it.
If you have done any of the aforementioned actions and were terminated afterwards, you may be able to build up a case against your employer and fight for a settlement. This can help financially pad you from the damaging effects of suddenly losing your job. Winning your case may also protect your reputation in the working world. This will help when you apply for new jobs because future employees will understand that you were not terminated for legal reasons.
Though your lost job may cause you monetary issues, having the right legal team behind you can help you win your case and your compensation. To read more about being fired unjustly and what you can do about it, please visit our web page on wrongful termination.