Can Wrongful Termination Include Firing Me Without Giving a Reason?

Were you recently terminated from your job in South Florida but your employer failed or outright refused to give you a reason that you were fired? You may be wondering if you experienced something unlawful, and whether you could be eligible to file a wrongful termination claim. For employees who are not working under the terms of employment contracts that explicitly identify reasons (or “cause”) for termination, employers can terminate those employees for almost any reason, and they do not actually have to give a reason. In some cases, however, a termination without a reason may still be unlawful because it may constitute a form of discrimination or retaliation. Our Palm Beach Gardens wrongful termination lawyers can tell you more.

At-Will Presumption 

Florida is an at-will state, which means an employee’s relationship with their employer is considered to be “at-will” unless there is an existing employment contract that details the employment relationship (including reasons for lawful termination). If you do not have an employment contract, you are most likely an at-will employee.

Employees without Contracts Can Be Terminated for Any Reason

 What does it mean to have an at-will relationship with your employer and to be an at-will employee? What this means is that your employer can terminate you at any time and for almost any reason without facing any consequences. Likewise, you can leave your job at any time and for any reason without having to give notice or facing any consequences.

In some cases, however, termination of an at-will employee is unlawful because it is done for reasons that involve discrimination or retaliation.

Failure to Give a Reason for Terminate Could Mean Wrongful Termination 

Generally speaking, if you are an at-will employee, your employer does not have to tell you why they are terminating you — even if you ask. However, if you believe your employer terminated you for reasons rooted in discrimination (such as discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, or disability), then you may be able to file a claim. Likewise, if you believe your employer terminated you in response to your decision to exercise your rights under a state or federal law (such as an anti-discrimination law, or a wage and hour law) by filing a claim or participating in an investigation, you may have been wrongfully terminated due to retaliation.

Contact a Palm Beach Gardens Wrongful Termination Lawyer Today for Assistance 

Wrongful termination may be obvious in some work situations, but in others, unlawful acts by employers can be much more subtle and thus more difficult to recognize. If you have any suspicions that you were fired from your job for an unlawful reason, including unlawful discrimination, you should reach out to one of the experienced Palm Beach Gardens wrongful termination attorneys at Sconzo Law Office as soon as possible. We can discuss the details of your termination with you, and we can help you to gather evidence and to move forward with a wrongful termination claim. You may be eligible for remedies that include job reinstatement as well as back pay and other compensation. Contact our firm today for assistance.

Source:

ncsl.org/labor-and-employment/at-will-employment-overview