Can an at-will employer fire you for any reason?

Being wrongfully discharged from a job is something you should stand up against if it happens to you. It’s not your employer’s right to fire you in certain circumstances. For instance, if he or she doesn’t agree with your marriage to a same-sex partner, that has nothing to do with your job. Your employer can’t discriminate against you because of your choices in that respect.

If you’re wrongfully terminated, there are damages you can seek from your employer. There are also other ways you can be compensated. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’ve been wrongfully terminated.

At-will doesn’t mean discrimination is okay

Many people work for at-will employers, but there is a difference between firing someone for no reason and firing someone because of his or her gender, disability or other reason protected by anti-discrimination laws. If a termination violates your contract, that is also illegal.

Retaliation is against the law

It’s against the law for your employer to terminate you based on the fact that you made a claim against him or her for discrimination or other issues in the workplace. If you are a whistleblower and reported unethical acts your employer was participating in, your employer doesn’t have the right to fire you for that.

Refusing illegal activities is your right

If your employer asks you to do something illegal, it’s your right to refuse without having to worry about termination. You can file a retaliation and wrongful discharge claim if this happens to you.

Your attorney can talk to you more about your rights if you think you’ve been wrongfully terminated. It’s not fair to worry about discrimination, and you have rights that protect you.

Source: FindLaw, “Was I Wrongfully Discharged From My Job?,” accessed Nov. 09, 2017