When you sign an employment contract, you expect to make your best contribution. You do not expect to be fired or laid off unexpectedly. But even if it does happen, you’d expect a satisfactory reason. However, it’s not uncommon to find yourself questioning whether your termination was lawful or not.
When termination seems suspect, a wrongful termination claim is an option you can explore. While Florida is an at-will state, employers cannot fire an employee for unlawful reasons. Here are three examples of when you may have a case:
Discrimination-based termination
If your dismissal was motivated by discrimination based on race, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or marital status, it violates protected rights under federal and state laws. Wrongful termination can be substantiated if any of these factors are to blame for your dismissal.
Retaliation for reporting violations
You have a legal right to report potential legal violations in the workplace. If your employer shows you the door for whistleblowing, it constitutes unlawful termination. Reporting unlawful activities or conduct at work is not insubordination.
Retaliation after a workplace injury
If you suffer an injury at work, you’d expect your employer to be most empathetic and supportive, but that’s not always the case. Your employer may retaliate by firing you for filing a workers’ compensation claim and “costing the company money.”
A job loss can negatively impact your social, economic and financial life, so challenging unjustifiable termination is crucial. Experienced legal guidance can help you understand if you have a viable claim.
