Wrongful terminations in a Tough Economy

In this economic climate, layoffs are commonplace.  Sadly, some employers use an economic downturn as an excuse for unlawful terminations.  If your employment is terminated for an unlawful reason, you may be entitled to recover damages.

Most employees are “at will” employees.  That means that either the employee or the employer can terminate the employment at any time, for any reason.  However, there are exceptions.  For example, no employer can fire an employee on the basis of:

• gender
• race
• national origin
• sexual orientation
• religion
• disability
• pregnancy
• marital status
• family or medical leave

Additionally, an employer cannot terminate an employee for complaining about unsafe working conditions or work practices, including demanding overtime, rest breaks, or lunch breaks.

You don’t have to be fired to have a wrongful termination case.  For example, if an employee is forced to quit because the employer has made working conditions intolerable, it would be considered a constructive termination.

If you, a loved one or a friend is terminated and believes it was the result of an unlawful motive, it makes sense to speak with an attorney experienced in employment law as soon as possible.