Losing your job can create chaos and instability in your life. Fortunately, if you were unlawfully terminated from your position, you have the right to pursue compensation from your employer. An experienced Boston wrongful termination attorney can explain your legal rights and help get you the money you need and deserve.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we are committed to protecting workers. Our team of experienced Boston employment and labor lawyers will work around the clock to help ensure a favorable outcome for your case. Schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our legal team today by giving us a call or completing our online contact form.
Massachusetts Is an At-Will Employment State
When considering filing a wrongful termination lawsuit against your employer, you need to understand that Massachusetts is an at-will employment state. What this means is that both employers and employees can terminate employment at any time, with or without cause. Because of this, a wrongful termination lawsuit is only a possibility under specific circumstances.
However, there are some employees who do not work on an at-will basis.
Public Sector Employees
In most cases, government employees working in the public sector are not employed on an at-will basis. If you lose your government job, you may have grounds to file a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Union Employees
Workers who are members of a union have additional rights beyond those available to standard at-will employees. Often, the collective bargaining agreement employment contracts for these workers include a clause stipulating that they can only be fired for just cause.
Contracted Workers
When employees have a contract that lists a specific start and end date, there are usually only specific circumstances under which they can be fired.
For workers with additional protections, there is a much higher chance they will be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit if they lose their jobs. An experienced wrongful termination lawyer serving Boston can review the terms of your employment and the circumstances under which you were fired.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful termination lawyer serving Boston, call (860) 999-9394
Common Exceptions to At-Will Employment
For workers who are employed on an at-will basis, there are still exceptions that can make certain firings unlawful.
Discrimination
While an at-will employee can be fired for no reason at all or simply because their employer does not like them, they can not fire you for discriminatory reasons. Federal law protects workers from discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or classification as a member of a protected class.
Whistleblowing
Employees who blow the whistle on their employer for unlawful behavior are protected by both federal and state law from retaliation, including wrongful termination.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against employees for filing a workers’ compensation claim after getting injured on the job.
Taking Medical Leave
Employees using legitimate medical leave can not be terminated for taking the time off from work. This includes employees taking time under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
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Additional Exceptions in Massachusetts
Workers in Massachusetts are also protected from termination in additional circumstances.
Public Policy Exemption
The public policy exemption also protects workers acting in the best interest of the public. For example, a worker can not be fired for:
- Refusing to act in a manner that violates state law
- Reporting a violation of the law
- Acting in the greater interest of the public
- Serving on a jury
Covenant of Good Faith
In Massachusetts, employers are also required to act in good faith. This exception may prevent them from firing employees who:
- Are due to receive a schedule raise, bonus, or promotion
- Are about to receive a large commission
- Have been given positive performance reviews and were led to believe that their employment was secure
This list is not exhaustive. Any other manner in which your employer fires you in violation of a good faith employment agreement, you have the right to pursue legal action.
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Make Sure to File Your Wrongful on Time
If you were wrongfully terminated from your job, you will only have 30 days to file a wrongful termination lawsuit against your employer. While some exceptions to this time limit may apply, it is critical that you reach out to an experienced wrongful termination lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet all applicable deadlines.
Your attorney can determine whether you qualify for an exception and complete and file all the required documents on time.
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Get Help from an Experienced Wrongful Termination Attorney Serving Boston Today
The best way to improve your chances of recovering the money you need after being wrongfully terminated from your position is by securing the services of an experienced attorney. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we understand the challenges faced by those who have lost their jobs due to wrongful termination.
Our team of experienced attorneys will work diligently to ensure you recover the money you need and deserve. Contact us today by giving us a call or completing our online contact form to set up your free initial case evaluation with a member of our legal team. We’ll review your case, answer all your questions, and advise you of your legal options.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form