Table of Contents
- What Counts as Wrongful Termination? A Clear Explanation for Workers Who’ve Been Unfairly Fired
- What Is Wrongful Termination?
- Common Legal Grounds for Wrongful Termination
- 1. Discrimination
- 2. Retaliation
- 3. Violation of Employment Contract
- 4. Constructive Discharge
- 5. Public Policy Violations
- What Doesn’t Count as Wrongful Termination?
- What To Do If You Suspect Wrongful Termination
- Conclusion: Don’t Let Them Get Away With It
Ready to Publish
Ready to Publish
Author
OG Image (1200x630)
Excerpt
In this blog post, we explore what constitutes wrongful termination, highlighting the legal grounds that can support your case if you've been unfairly fired. Understanding your rights is crucial, and connecting with an experienced attorney near you can help you navigate this challenging situation effectively.
Meta Description
Discover what constitutes wrongful termination and learn about the legal grounds for filing a claim, including discrimination, retaliation, and breach of contract. If you suspect you've been unfairly fired, contact an experienced attorney near you to explore your legal options and protect your rights.
Slug
employment-labor-law/wrongful-termination-fight-back-unfairly-fired/what-counts-as-wrongful-termination-legal-grounds-employee-rights
Alt Image Text
Flat vector illustration of a dismissed employee holding a termination letter outside an office building, with legal books and a justice scale symbolizing wrongful termination.
Related Posts
Global Tags
Sub-item
Hide in Main Feed
Hide in Main Feed
Post Id
1681
Updated
Mar 29, 2025 04:27 PM
Featured
Featured
Hide CTA
Hide CTA
Hide Cover
Hide Cover
What Counts as Wrongful Termination? A Clear Explanation for Workers Who’ve Been Unfairly Fired
Getting fired out of nowhere is gut-wrenching—especially when it just doesn’t feel right. Maybe your boss made excuses that didn’t add up. Maybe your performance reviews were fine. Or maybe you suspect the real reason for your termination has nothing to do with your job at all.
If you’re wondering whether what happened to you counts as wrongful termination, you’re not alone—and you might have legal grounds to fight back.
In this post, we’ll break down what wrongful termination really means, how to recognize it, and what steps you should take if you think your employer crossed the line. You’ll also learn how to find an attorney near you who can help you protect your rights and get the justice you deserve.
💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination (also called wrongful dismissal or wrongful discharge) happens when an employer fires an employee in violation of the law, public policy, or the terms of an employment contract.
Not all firings are illegal—even if they feel unfair. But if your employer broke a law or breached an agreement in the process of letting you go, it may be wrongful termination, and you may be entitled to compensation.
Let’s break it down.
Common Legal Grounds for Wrongful Termination
1. Discrimination
It’s illegal for your employer to fire you because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40+), disability, or genetic information.
If you suspect your termination was based on any of these protected characteristics, you could have a discrimination-based wrongful termination claim. An experienced lawyer near you can help you file a complaint with the EEOC or pursue a lawsuit.
2. Retaliation
Were you fired shortly after reporting harassment, filing a workers’ comp claim, participating in a workplace investigation, or exercising your legal rights?
That’s not just shady—it’s possibly illegal. Firing someone for standing up for their rights is called retaliation, and it’s one of the most common forms of wrongful termination.
3. Violation of Employment Contract
If you have a written, verbal, or implied contract that lays out specific terms for your employment, including reasons for termination, your employer is legally bound by it.
If you were fired in a way that breaches your contract, you could have a strong case—especially if you were promised job security or certain disciplinary procedures before termination.
4. Constructive Discharge
Sometimes, employers don’t fire you outright—they make your work environment so toxic, unbearable, or hostile that you feel you have no choice but to quit.
That’s called constructive discharge, and if the conditions were bad enough to force any reasonable person to resign, it could legally be treated like a wrongful termination.
5. Public Policy Violations
Were you fired for doing the right thing? Like refusing to break the law, reporting illegal activity, or taking time off for jury duty or military service?
If so, your employer may have violated public policy, and that’s grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
What Doesn’t Count as Wrongful Termination?
Let’s be real: Not every unfair firing is unlawful. If you were fired because your boss didn’t like your personality, or simply decided to cut costs, that may not qualify—unless a law or contract was broken in the process.
Here are a few examples of non-wrongful terminations:
- Downsizing or company restructuring (unless discrimination was involved)
- Poor performance (unless it’s a cover for discrimination or retaliation)
- At-will employment terminations (unless exceptions apply)
That’s why it’s crucial to have an attorney near you review your case and determine if your firing was illegal—not just unfair.
What To Do If You Suspect Wrongful Termination
- Gather Documentation: Emails, performance reviews, termination letters, contracts—every detail matters.
- Write Down What Happened: Create a timeline of key events, including any incidents of retaliation or discrimination.
- Contact an Attorney Near You: Don’t navigate this alone. A lawyer near you who specializes in employment law can evaluate your case and advise your next steps.
- File a Complaint: Depending on your situation, your lawyer may help you file a complaint with the EEOC, a state labor board, or pursue a lawsuit directly.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Them Get Away With It
If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, you have legal options—and you deserve to explore them. The law is on your side, but the process can be complex, and employers often count on you not knowing your rights.
That’s where ReferU.AI comes in.
We match you instantly with the right attorney near you—one with a proven track record handling wrongful termination cases like yours. Our service is 100% free for users, and we only recommend lawyers based on actual court performance, not marketing hype.
Don’t wait and wonder. Find a lawyer near you today through ReferU.AI and take the first step toward justice.
Written by
