Was I Wrongfully Terminated? How to Tell

Recently lost your job and wondering if it was legal? Here's a general overview of what wrongful termination typically involves.

Most employment is 'at will' — but with important exceptions

In most states, employers can generally terminate employees for almost any reason or no reason at all, as long as it's not an illegal one. The key question is usually whether an illegal reason was actually the cause.

Illegal reasons generally include discrimination and retaliation

Termination based on protected characteristics (like race, gender, age, disability, or religion), or as retaliation for reporting illegal activity, filing a complaint, or taking legally protected leave, is generally unlawful.

Contract and policy violations matter too

If you had an employment contract or your employer didn't follow its own stated termination procedures or public policy protections, that can also raise legal questions worth reviewing.

Document everything as soon as possible

Write down the timeline of events, save any relevant emails or messages, and note who was involved. This kind of documentation is often critical if a claim moves forward later.

Some claims have short filing deadlines

Certain employment claims must be filed with a state or federal agency within a limited window, sometimes just months after the incident, so getting a free consultation soon after termination is generally worthwhile.

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