Wrongful termination is the unlawful or unfair termination of an employee due to their race, religion, gender, nationality, or other protected characteristic. In many cases, this termination occurs in violation of an employee’s contract or state or federal laws. It may also be due to retaliation for an employee’s reported or suspected whistleblowing or exercising their legal rights.
Reasons for Wrongful Termination
Examples of wrongful termination include but are not limited to:
- Discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information
- Failure to accommodate a disabled employee
- Retaliation for reporting illegal activity, filing a complaint, or taking legal action
- Terminating an employee for taking maternity leave, vacation time, or other protected leave
- Terminating an employee in violation of an employment contract
Upholding Your Rights
If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, you may be able to file a claim against your employer with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This federal organization is responsible for enforcing workplace anti-discrimination laws. Depending on the case, you may be eligible to receive monetary damages such as back pay, reinstatement of your job with full benefits, and even compensation for emotional distress.
If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated, it’s important to consult an employment attorney. They can help review the facts of your case and advise you on the next steps to take.