Wrongful termination is an illegal act that employees may face if their employers want to retaliate against them. You can go over wrongful termination examples and a checklist for actions involved in this illegal activity to learn more.
If you need additional help, you can turn to a Boston wrongful termination lawyer from our team at Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard. We’re ready to answer your questions when you call or complete our online contact form.
What Are Examples of Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination occurs when employers violate state or federal employment laws when dismissing an employee. Most states use at-will employment doctrines, meaning employers can typically terminate employment at any time.
However, you may have a valid case for wrongful termination for situations involving:
Harassment
Workplace harassment can involve insulting or negative comments in the workplace. Sexual harassment also falls under this umbrella. Sometimes, employers file employees for reporting harassment or filing a complaint.
Your employer cannot legally fire you for reporting harassment; the government considers this a protected action.
Discrimination
Discrimination represents a specific type of harassment. Generally, individuals experience discriminatory harassment because of their:
- Age
- Gender
- Sexual preference
- Age
- Disability
- Religion
Discrimination may involve actions, verbal mistreatment, and written acts of mistreatment. For example, employers engage in wrongful termination if they fire someone because of their gender presentation.
Retaliation
Wrongful termination as an act of retaliation often goes along with harassment and discrimination. Employers may try to punish employees who:
- Report some kind of illegal behavior
- Cooperate with a government investigation
- Act under their legal rights
For example, an employer may fire an employee who reported unsafe conditions. This action represents wrongful termination, which is illegal. Filing someone for whistleblowing may qualify as retaliation.
Breach of Contract
Employers commit a breach of contract by violating any written employment contract or contradicting statements in their employee handbook. For example, let’s say your contract allows you to work remotely.
However, when you attempt to work remotely, your employer fires you. This action may qualify as a breach of contract.
Constructive Dismissal
Sometimes, employers will manipulate the workplace environment in an attempt to force an employee to quit. For example, an employer may cut an employee’s salary or demote them without warning and without a valid reason, resulting in a wrongful termination case.
FMLA Violations
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) grants protected leave to employees dealing with illnesses for themselves or family members. Employees may face wrongful termination if an employer fires them after they return from FMLA leave.
However, only some businesses must adhere to FMLA laws. You can reach out to a Boston FMLA lawyer if you have questions about this issue.
Illegal Acts
Employers sometimes request their employees to participate in illegal activities, such as discriminating against another employee. It is illegal for an employer to fire an employee who refuses to participate in these actions.
Wage and Hour Disputes
Sometimes, employers fire employees to file a dispute about:
- Unpaid wages
- Overtime
- Commissions
Employers who take this step are breaking the law, and the employee may qualify to file a wrongful termination claim.
For a free legal consultation, call (860) 999-9394
Wrongful Termination Employee Checklist
You can use this wrongful termination checklist to determine if your employer engaged in an illegal act when firing you. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you can contact a lawyer to discuss your situation further.
- Did you experience discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment while working?
- Do you have evidence backing up acts of harassment or discrimination?
- Did your employer treat workers differently based on a protected status?
- Did your employer generate a hostile work environment?
- Does your employment contract or employee handbook outline potential reasons for termination?
- Did your employer try to restrict your legal rights?
- Did your employer ask you to act unethically?
- Did you report illegal actions by your employer?
- Did you quit because of an unfair workplace or sexual harassment?
You may also have a claim if you believe your employer fired you:
- Due to your race
- Because you file a workers’ compensation claim
- Because you took FMLA leave
- Because you demanded fair wages
We’re standing by to assist if you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions.
What Should You Do if You Believe You Experienced Wrongful Termination?
After reviewing the above wrongful termination examples and checklist, you may believe you have a legal claim. In this situation, you can contact a lawyer to find out how to prove wrongful termination.
Collecting evidence can demonstrate that your employer engaged in illegal behavior.
Click to contact our labor & employment lawyers today
Go Over Additional Wrongful Termination Examples with Our Team
Would you like to review additional examples of wrongful termination or learn more about the checklist? You can reach out to our team at Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard. Call or complete our online contact form to get started.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form