An employment claim where an employee is terminated for a reason that may be unlawful or in breach of an employment agreement. Wrongful termination may also be called “wrongful dismissal” or “wrongful discharge.” The failure to have a written contract does not preclude a wrongful termination claim. The categories of wrongful termination generally fall under the following:
- Discrimination: Termination by an employer based upon the employee being in a “protected class” of people, such as of a specific race, nationality, religion, sex, age, or sexual orientation.
- Retaliation: When an employer terminates an employee for asserting their rights, such as cooperating with a government investigation into a discrimination claim.
- Company Policy: An employer’s failure to file the rules and requirements set by its own company, such as outlined and documented in an employee handbook.
- An employee’s refusal to commit an illegal act.