Wrongful Termination: What Employees Need to Know About Their Rights

Losing your job is stressful under any circumstance—but being fired unlawfully can feel overwhelming and unfair. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, understanding your legal rights is the first step toward protecting yourself and seeking justice.

This guide explains what wrongful termination is, common examples, and what to do if you believe your employer violated the law.

What Is Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for illegal reasons or in violation of an employment contract, company policy, or state or federal law.

While most states follow at-will employment rules—meaning employers can terminate employees for many reasons—there are important exceptions. If your termination falls under one of these exceptions, you may have a valid legal claim.

Common Types of Wrongful Termination

1. Discrimination

It is illegal to terminate an employee based on protected characteristics, including:

• Race or color

• Gender or sex

• Age (40 and over)

• Disability

• Religion

• National origin

• Pregnancy or family status

If you were fired shortly after disclosing a protected status or requesting accommodations, this may be a red flag.

2. Retaliation

Employers may not fire employees for engaging in legally protected activities, such as:

• Reporting workplace harassment or discrimination

• Filing a workers’ compensation claim

• Whistleblowing illegal conduct

• Requesting medical or family leave

• Participating in an employment investigation

Termination following one of these actions may qualify as retaliatory termination.

3. Breach of Employment Contract

If you have a written or implied employment contract that limits when or how you can be fired, your employer must honor it. Wrongful termination may occur if:

• You were terminated without cause when the contract requires cause

• The employer failed to follow disciplinary procedures

• Promised job security was ignored

4. Violation of Public Policy

Employers cannot fire employees for reasons that violate public policy, such as:

• Refusing to perform illegal acts

• Serving on a jury

• Taking legally protected medical or family leave

Signs You May Have Been Wrongfully Terminated

• Sudden termination after reporting misconduct

• Inconsistent or false reasons for firing

• Different treatment compared to similarly situated coworkers

• Lack of documentation supporting performance issues

• Termination shortly after a protected event

If any of these apply, it’s worth speaking with an employment attorney.

What to Do If You Were Wrongfully Terminated

1. Document Everything
   Save emails, performance reviews, termination letters, and timelines of events.

2. Avoid Signing Anything Immediately
   Severance agreements may include waivers of legal rights.

3. File a Complaint if Required
   Some claims require filing with agencies like the EEOC before suing.

4. Consult an Employment Lawyer
   An attorney can evaluate your case, explain your options, and protect your rights.

How a Wrongful Termination Lawyer Can Help

An experienced employment attorney can:

• Determine whether your termination was unlawful

• Gather evidence and build a strong case

• Negotiate severance or settlements

• Represent you in court or administrative hearings

Legal guidance early on can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Speak With Beverly Crest Law About Your Wrongful Termination Case

If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Beverly Crest Law is committed to protecting employee rights and holding employers accountable under the law.

📞 Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation and learn how we can help you move forward.