Many people have an extensive job history. It’s not expected that most people will stay in the same job forever. Still, the loss of a job can be a substantial burden for most people. Finding a job as good as your last one can be difficult. Not having your previous income to fall back on can be trying for your family.
Overall, no one should lose a job unfairly. It is, in fact, against the law in many instances. If that is the case for you, you may want to seek legal representation. Below are five signs you may have been wrongfully terminated.
You’re a Whistleblower
A whistleblower is someone that reports illegal activity at his or her place of work. The US government provides protection for whistleblowers. If you were fired for refusing to do something illegal on the job or for discovering crimes being committed by your employer, you were probably fired illegally.
Your Employer Broke Your Employee Contract
Certain employers in certain jurisdictions have “at will” employment. This means you can be fired for unspecific reasons. However, other employers create contracts with their employees that set specific terms for how and why someone can be fired. If you can prove that your employer broke this contract, you probably have a case and should seek out a wrongful termination attorney.
You Were Fired for Being a Member of a Protected Class
Certain classes of people are protected under the legal code of the United States. For example, you cannot be fired for your religion. Your employer must also make reasonable accommodations to allow you to perform your religion. If you were fired for praying during your lunch break, you can likely win a wrongful termination lawsuit.
You Were Fired for Taking Approved Family or Medical Leave
Employees, under certain circumstances, are allowed to take leave from work for specific medical or family related accepted under federal law. If you were previously approved to take leave, you cannot be fired for taking it. If you were, you were wrongfully terminated.
You Were Fired for Fulfilling Obligations to the Government
The federal government protects those that volunteer to serve. You can’t, for example, be fired by your employer for volunteering to serve in the National Guard. You can’t be fired for serving jury duty either.
There are many reasons why an employer may fire an employee. While many workplaces do have at-will employment, at will employment does not mean a person can be fired for any reason. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, contact an attorney to review your case.
About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her husky Snowball. You can find her on Twitter at @LizzieWeakley and on Facebook at facebook.com/lizzie.weakley.
