Were you recently fired from your job? You might be wondering if you can sue for wrongful termination. It may have been unfair, but was it illegal? It is questions like these that an experienced employment lawyer like the St. Louis lawyers of Burger Law can help you answer.
Burger Law's knowledgeable attorneys can help determine if you were fired illegally and, if you were indeed fired in a way that broke the law, we can help you navigate your wrongful termination suit and obtain the legal recourse you deserve. To discuss the circumstances of your firing with an expert and to find out how we can help you with your wrongful termination case, contact Burger Law today. Give us a call at 314-542-2222 or contact us online.
Was I fired illegally?
Being fired from a job by your employer is never pleasant. Often times it can feel unfair to the employee who has been fired.
For workers in an at-will employment arrangement, meaning not a contract worker or union worker, both the employee and employer are free to end the relationship at any time, without warning, with or without reason. This means that in general, you cannot sue for wrongful termination if you were fired for any of the following reasons, which are all legal:
- A good reason - such as performce issues, breaking a rule, or frequently being late to work
- A bad reason - such as simply not getting along, a disagreement, or removing you to open a position for a friend
- No reason at all - just because
- A mistake - such as if an employer fires you because they suspect you of stealing, but later find out that you were innocent
If you were fired for any of the above reasons, you were fired legally and therefore do not have a wrongful termination case. This doesn't mean it was morally right or fair, but you were not fired illegally.
There are exceptions to this rule. If you believe you were fired from your job illegally, speak to a St. Louis employment lawyer right away to discuss your case for free and find out if you have a case and can sue for wrongful termination.
Illegal Reasons To Fire Someone
Employees are protected by law from wrongful termination or being fired for an unlawful reason. If you were fired due to any of the following reasons, it was illegal and you may have a wrongful termination case and you should contact your St Louis employment lawyer right away. If you are a for-cause employee, meaning you entered into a contract with your employer, the contract also protects you from being fired for additional reasons. Speak with your employement lawyer to find out if you were fired illegally.
You cannot be fired for:
- Discrimination
Both the state of Missouri and the federal US government have multiple anti-discrimination laws in place. This protects employees from being fired for discrimination due to their age, race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy status, national origin, or disabilities. If you feel you have been fired illegally due to discrimination against a protected characteristic, you can sue for wrongful termination. Remember that there are statutes, so it's important to act right away and provide proof of discrimination to win your case.
- Retaliation
It is illegal to be fired in retaliation against an action you have taken that you were legally permitted to take. For example, you cannot be fired because you filed a complaint, a sexual harassment suit, or a workers' compensation claim or for taking time off.
- Following Public Policy
You cannot be fired legally if it would violate public policy. It's illegal to fire an employee, for example, for refusing to do something illegal, notifying authorities of illegal activity or something that would harm the public, or for taking part in public practices such as serving on a jury or going to vote.
St. Louis Employment Lawyer | Burger Law
Were you fired illegally? You probably still have questions about the legality of your firing. If you believe you may have been fired illegally, you could have a St. Louis wrongful termination case. If you do, Burger Law can help fight for your rights. Don't waste any time. Reach us today by calling 314-542-2222 or contact us online.