Wrongful termination protections are important for workers who have suffered the loss of their job that violates the law. Wrongful termination refers to when an employee is terminated in a manner that is illegal.
Reasons an employee may be considered wrongfully terminated
It may be considered unlawful to terminate an employee for a variety of reasons including:
- If the firing is in violation of federal or state anti-discrimination laws;
- If the firing is a form of sexual harassment;
- If the firing is in violation of labor laws, including collective bargaining laws;
- If the firing is in retaliation for the employee filing a complaint against the employer;
- If the firing is in violation of an employment contract; or
- If the firing is based on falsified performance reviews
When an employee believes they have been wrongfully terminated, it is important for them to be aware of their rights and the protections available to them. While most employees are considered at-will employees and can be fired for a number of different reasons, they cannot be fired for protected reasons that are considered unlawful to do so.
Legal options for those who have been wrongfully terminated
Employers who violate wrongful termination laws may face statutory penalties, punitive damages or damages to address the wrongfully terminated employee’s lost wages and expenses. Punitive damages, which are intended to punish wrongdoing, may apply in certain situations and employment laws may hold employers who wrongfully terminate employees accountable. Employment laws provide valuable protections for workers who commonly rely on their jobs to support themselves and care for their families.