Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee in violation of state or federal laws or the terms outlined in an employment contract. There are various reasons why an employee might be wrongfully terminated. At Saffren & Weinberg, our wrongful termination attorneys in Allentown, PA, have seen these issues time and again, and we are here to help you navigate the complexities of wrongful termination claims.
1. Discrimination
Discrimination is one of the most common reasons for wrongful termination. If you are fired due to your race, sex, age, disability, religion, or other protected status, it may be a wrongful termination.
Federal laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), make such discriminatory firings illegal. Pennsylvania law also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, further protecting employees from unfair treatment.
2. Retaliation for Reporting Illegal Activities
Employees are protected by law from retaliation after reporting illegal activities in the workplace, such as unsafe working conditions or corporate fraud. If you were fired after engaging in whistleblowing or filing a complaint about harassment or discrimination, your termination could be wrongful.
Employers cannot fire you as a form of punishment for taking steps to address unlawful activities in the workplace and doing so violates both state and federal laws that protect employees from such retaliation.
3. Violation of Employment Contracts
If you have an employment contract that outlines the terms and conditions under which you can be fired, your employer must adhere to these terms. If your termination breaches your contract (such as firing you without proper cause or due process), you may have enough to file a wrongful termination claim. Employment contracts are designed to ensure job security under specific circumstances, and failure to follow them can lead to legal consequences for the employer.
4. Violation of Public Policy
Employers cannot fire employees for reasons that violate public policy, such as refusing to break the law, taking time off for military service, or reporting illegal activity. For instance, if your employer fires you for reporting illegal activities within the organization, our attorneys for wrongful termination can help you take legal action.
Similarly, you are protected from termination for engaging in actions like filing a workers’ compensation claim or taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Public policy violations ensure that employees cannot be punished for fulfilling civic duties or protecting legal rights.
5. Constructive Discharge
Although not always classified as “wrongful termination,” constructive discharge occurs when an employer creates a hostile work environment that forces the employee to quit. If the working conditions become so intolerable that resignation is the only option, it may be considered equivalent to wrongful termination. If an employer’s actions—such as continuous harassment, unsafe conditions, or unfair treatment—make it impossible for an employee to continue working, the employee may have a claim for wrongful termination under constructive discharge.
How a Wrongful Termination Attorney Can Help
If you believe your firing falls into any of these categories, it’s critical to seek legal advice. A lawyer for wrongful termination can help assess your case and guide you through the legal process.
At Saffren & Weinberg, our team will work with you to gather evidence, including emails, written correspondence, witness statements, and company policies, to build a strong wrongful termination case. We will fight to protect your rights and secure fair compensation for any damages you’ve suffered as a result of wrongful termination.
Contact Saffren & Weinberg for Legal Assistance
At Saffren & Weinberg, we are committed to protecting your rights. Our attorneys for wrongful termination have the experience and resources to help you seek justice after an unfair firing. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you understand your rights and legal options. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Disclosure:
This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with Saffren & Weinberg, we are not your legal representatives.