Most jobs in Florida operate on an at-will basis, meaning employers and workers are free to end a relationship at any time for any legitimate reason. However, that does not mean your employer can terminate your employment for reasons that are prohibited by law. You might be eligible to file a lawsuit against your employer if you believe that your termination was wrongful.
Wrongful termination refers to the illegal ending of a person’s employment. The most frequent instances of wrongful termination include discrimination, retaliation, contract violations and refusals to perform duties or to file a complaint because the employer is engaging in unlawful or public policy violations.
What qualifies as wrongful termination?
The following are some of the most common types of wrongful termination:
- Employers are prohibited from discriminating against their workers for a variety of reasons under both state and federal regulations. The most prevalent instances of unlawful discrimination are based on age, gender, gender identity, religion, disability, race, pregnancy and political affiliation.
- Violations of state and federal employment laws. Companies that attempt to evade compliance may face claims for violations of state and federal employment regulations. These regulations may include the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which establishes minimum wage and overtime compensation requirements.
- An employer cannot lawfully fire an employee for doing something that the employer finds objectionable but is legal, such as taking sick leave or bereavement leave or filing for workers’ compensation following an accident at work.
It’s important to note that retaliation for whistleblowing, which is when an employee reports their company’s unlawful activities to authorities, is also illegal.
Losing a job can be difficult, especially when you are terminated unfairly. If you believe that you were fired or laid off under unlawful circumstances, seek assistance from someone who can help you understand the legal issues involved and try to safeguard your rights is wise.
