Understanding Wrongful Termination

One of the most significant problems in the workforce is wrongful termination. It’s important for people to understand what this is and what employees in this situation can do. Essentially, wrongful termination refers to a person being let go from their job for reasons that are not legal, or when the company violates their policies while terminating an employee. This is different from when an individual gets fired from “at-will” employment. There are plenty of legal ways that an individual can get discharged, so it’s essential to understand the laws to determine if there is a cause for legal action.

Wrongful Termination or Getting Fired from At-Will Employment?

Unless there is a contract or bargaining agreement in place, employees accept job positions at-will. When someone is hired at-will it means that the employee does not have to cite any reasons for leaving, nor the employer for letting them go. Wrongful termination describes when a company breaks state or federal laws when choosing which workers to terminate.

Usually, most businesses have a Human Resources department that is responsible for applying strict guidelines for behavior, work quality, and other daily routines. For example, many companies have a “write-up” system where rule-breaking is documented, and an employee gets fired after a specific number of complaints. If a workplace breaks these policies and fires someone without reason, despite strict policies, that individual may have a wrongful termination case. Companies are required by law to adhere to their policies and guidelines.

If you’re not sure if your termination occurred illegally, it’s best to consult a wrongful termination lawyer in Denver for a professional opinion.

Possible Signs of Wrongful Termination

If a person gets fired due to any discriminatory purpose, it is considered wrongful termination. Employers who fire employees for the following may also have violated federal and state laws:

• Taking time off to serve on a jury/vote
• Using accrued vacation days
• Serving in the military or national guard
• Whistleblowing
• Making an HR complaint about another employee or work environment

There are also some less obvious cases that qualify as wrongful termination. For example, when an employer lets go of a longtime employee before they can retire or lets a salesperson go so they can’t collect their commission, the employer may be violating laws that protect workers. If you’re not sure about your situation, it’s best to call in a legal expert.

Hire a Wrongful Termination Attorney in Denver

Federal and state laws make discrimination in the workplace illegal. A person can file a wrongful termination lawsuit against their employer if they believe their termination was the result of illegal decisions. Unfortunately, there are times when discrimination and retaliation are hard to prove, which is why working with an experienced wrongful termination lawyer can benefit your case. An attorney like Nathan Davidovich of Davidovich Law Firm can use his previous knowledge and vast resources to investigate the facts of your claim and help you gather the evidence you need to win your case.

Nathan Davidovich has more than 55 years of experience representing workers in Denver. Call Davidovich Law Firm at 303-825-5529 or fill out our contact form for a consultation.