If you were recently fired for reasons you feel are unfair, you may wonder what your rights are. Depending on the situation, you may be able to file a wrongful termination claim. The following is a brief overview of what constitutes wrongful termination.
What is wrongful termination?
A firing is wrongful if the worker is let go for illegal reasons, such as in retaliation for reporting misdeeds or due to discrimination, or if the firing violates company policy or an employment contract. Keep in mind that Oregon is an “at-will” state meaning that unless there is an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement, an employee can be let go for any legal reason.
Some examples of wrongful termination
The following are some examples of situations that may constitute wrongful termination. Keep in mind that every case is different, and this post cannot promise any specific outcome in a wrongful termination case.
A termination may be wrongful if it breaches a contract. Discrimination based on color, race, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation gender and age may also give rise to a wrongful termination claim. Violations of company policy or public policy may form the grounds of a wrongful termination claim. If an employee is fired for refusing to commit an illegal act, this may also constitute wrongful termination. Being fired for being a whistleblower may also lead to a wrongful termination claim.
Learn more about wrongful termination
Ultimately, this post is for informational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Those who want to learn more about wrongful termination are encouraged to visit our firm’s employment law website for further information.