If you have ever been fired from a job, you know how upsetting it can be. Depending on the why and how of it, you may be angry, frustrated and worried about what to do next.
These feelings are only made worse when you suspect foul play in your termination. Maybe you just have a feeling that you were fired for something like your race or gender. Or perhaps there was a history of unfair treatment toward you, and you are sure that discrimination or retaliation of some sort played a role in your firing. Either way, knowing your rights can help you determine whether you were wrongfully terminated and what to do about it.
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination happens when an employee is fired for illegal reasons. Most employees in Arizona are “at-will” employees, meaning they can be fired or leave their job at any time and for most reasons. However, if your termination is related to discrimination or retaliation, it may be considered wrongful.
An employer cannot fire you based on:
- Race
- Gender
- Age
- Religion
- Disability
- National origin
It is also illegal for an employer to fire you out of retaliation for reporting illegal behavior, sexual harassment, being pregnant or taking family medical leave.
What To Do if You Believe You Were Illegally Fired
If you believe you were fired for one of the reasons above, you may want to consider filing a wrongful termination claim. At this time, it may be wise to speak with an employment law attorney.
Wrongful termination laws are complex, and your employer may not be willing to fully cooperate unless you have a lawyer on your side. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process of seeking compensation or being reinstated while also ensuring your rights are protected.