Losing your job is a frustrating and often demoralizing experience. Reading a letter or having a meeting with your boss and learning you are getting fired is never fun. You may even feel like the process is unfair.
Did you know that there are certain illegal actions an employer can take when firing employees? Your employer may be acting unlawfully. If that is the case, you could file a wrongful termination lawsuit. Here are some signs your firing may be wrongful.
1. Discrimination
There are anti-discrimination laws that safeguard you during every aspect of your employment – including termination. Just as an employer cannot deny you a job because you belong to a protected class, your employer cannot fire you in a discriminatory way.
2. Violation of laws
Local, state and federal employment laws exist to ensure all employment matters are fair. Your employer cannot violate any law when firing you. For example, your employer cannot legally fire you for taking medical or family leave according to federal laws. You also cannot lose your job for attending jury duty.
3. Breach of contract
When you start a job, you enter into a contractual agreement with your employer. Your contract may contain provisions concerning a timeframe of work and termination policies. If your employer does not adhere to the contract, you may have a wrongful termination case on your hands.
4. Retaliation
Employers sometimes fire employees who take the following actions:
- Pursuing workers’ compensation
- Filing an FMLA claim
- Reporting harassment
- Taking maternity leave
- Reporting unethical or illegal acts
- Refusing to perform an illegal act
Under the law, your employer cannot retaliate against you with termination. If your firing is due to you taking action like the ones listed above, you should think about opening a wrongful termination claim.
A termination is disheartening and can make it difficult for you to make ends meet. But if you sue your employer, you may be able to get compensation for your suffering.