After losing your job, you will likely be dealing with a lot of uncertainty regarding your future. Unfortunately, the only option for many workers is to start a job search in earnest. However, this is not the case for employees who were fired unlawfully. If your employer violated your rights in firing you, an experienced Hartford wrongful termination lawyer can help you file a lawsuit.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we will use every tool at our disposal to help you hold your employer accountable and recover the money you deserve. Our team of experienced Hartford employment and labor lawyers is ready and waiting to get started on your case today. Schedule a free initial consultation by giving us a call or using our online contact form.
Connecticut Is an At-Will Employment State
One of the most important things you need to understand before filing a wrongful termination lawsuit is that Connecticut is an at-will employment state. What this means is that both employers and employees in this state can choose to terminate their working relationship at any time without notice or cause.
If you were employed on an at-will basis, there are limited circumstances under which you will be eligible to sue your employer for wrongful termination.
However, it’s also critical to understand that not all employees working in at-will employment states work on an at-will basis. Many Connecticut workers have protections not available to at-will employees. Workers that commonly have additional protections include:
- Union employees
- Public sector employees
- Contracted workers
Union Employees
Workers who are part of a union have additional rights over the average at-will employee. Contained in the collective bargaining agreements negotiated by most unions is a clause stating that employees may only be terminated with just cause.
Public Sector Employees
Another group of workers that typically has additional employment protections is government employees working in the private sector. Any government employee fired from their job without just cause will likely be eligible to file a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Contracted Workers
People working with a contract that denotes a specific start and end date of their employment are generally only fireable under certain circumstances, which are often outlined in the employment contract.
Any employee who has protections that extend beyond what is available to at-will workers will likely be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit if they are let go from their job without just cause.
An experienced wrongful termination lawyer in Hartford, CT, can review the circumstances under which you were fired against the conditions of your employment to determine whether you were the victim of unlawful termination.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful termination lawyer serving Hartford, call (860) 999-9394
Common Exceptions to At-Will Employment
Even if you do work on an at-will employment basis, there are still many circumstances under which you can not be fired from your job. Some of the most common exceptions that will allow you to file a wrongful termination lawsuit include cases involving:
- Discrimination
- Medical leave
- Whistleblowing
- Workers’ compensation claims
Discrimination
While employers of at-will employees can fire their workers for no reason at all or because of personal dislike, they are prohibited from firing them due to discrimination. Federal law protects workers from discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, age, religion, disability, or classification as a member of any other protected class.
Medical Leave
The law also prohibits employers from firing their workers for taking legitimate medical leave. This includes workers who miss work as part of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Whistleblowing
Federal and state protections exist for employees who blow the whistle on any illegal conduct. One of the primary protections for these workers is that they can not be fired as an act of retaliation.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
When workers suffer on-the-job injuries, they have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim to recover damages without concern about retaliation from their employer.
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State-Specific Exceptions in Connecticut
Connecticut also offers a variety of other protections against wrongful termination for at-will employees in the state. The big three exceptions include:
- Public policy exemptions
- Covenant of good faith exceptions
- Implied contract exemptions
Public Policy Exemptions
Many states have a public policy exemption that protects workers who take action that is in the best interest of the general public. Some of the actions protected under this exemption include:
- Acting in the greater interest of the public
- Reporting any legal violations
- Refusing to engage in any illegal activity
- Serving jury duty
Covenant of Good Faith Exceptions
Connecticut also observes a covenant of good faith exception. Under this exception, employers are prohibited from firing employees who:
- Are due to receive a scheduled raise, bonus, or promotion
- Are due to receive a large commission
- Have received positive performance reviews and been led to believe that their employment is secure
This list is not exhaustive. There are a variety of other ways an employer can violate a covenant of good faith with their employees. An experienced wrongful termination attorney serving Hartford, CT, can help you determine if your employer terminated you in violation of the good faith covenant.
Implied Contract Exemptions
When an employment contract, employee handbook, or other behavior of your employer implies that you will only be terminated with just cause, you may be protected from termination in many cases in Connecticut. This exemption can apply even if your contract also states that you are an at-will employee.
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A Wrongful Termination Attorney in Hartford Can Help Ensure that Your Lawsuit Is Filed on Time
In Connecticut, the amount of time you will have to file a wrongful termination lawsuit against your employer will depend on the type of violation.
Those terminated as an act of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation will have 300 days from the date of termination to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) and the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO).
If fired for using leave under the FMLA, you will have two years from the date of termination to file a lawsuit. Those fired in violation of their employment contract have six years to file a lawsuit if the contract was in writing and three years to take legal action if it was an oral contract. An experienced lawyer can help determine the exact filing date for your case.
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Get Help From an Experience Wrongful Termination Attorney Serving Worcester Today
After losing your job due to wrongful termination, the best thing you can do to ensure you recover the money you need and deserve is to hire an experienced lawyer. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we understand how difficult this period can be and will do everything in our power to secure a positive outcome to your case and get you back on your feet.
Contact us by phone or through our website to set up a case evaluation with one of our experienced attorneys today.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form