When does Wrongful Termination Apply?

While ‘at-will’ employment allows the employer to fire an employee at any time, there are instances where a firing can be against the law. If that is the case with your termination, you could potentially be able to keep your job or even sue for wrongful termination.

If you are wondering what is considered as wrongful termination, read on.

Employment Laws in Arizona

Arizona law allows an employer to fire an employee at any time without any notice, except–

• if there is a written contract, signed by both parties, specifying a period of time for employment or restricting the termination of the employee
• If the employer terminates the employee to discriminate against them

Employee Discrimination

In Arizona and elsewhere in the United States, employee discrimination is illegal. An employee cannot be fired because of discrimination. If you suspect that you’ve been terminated because of your age, race, color, country of origin, gender, religion, disability, pregnancy, or genetic information, you may be able to –

• file a complaint against the iscrimination with a state or federal agency
• take legal action against your employer

What falls under wrongful termination?

Other instances where you may be able to file a wrongful termination case include –

• Implied promises – If your employer says or does something that implies an employment contract, it can be an exception to the at-will employment rule and give you the right to claim wrongful termination.
• Breaches of good faith and fair dealing – If your employer actsin an unfair or unjust manner, you may be able to claim wrongful termination.
• Public policyviolations– Your employer cannot fire you for reasons that the society recognizes as illegal grounds for termination.
• Retaliation – Your employer cannot fire you for engaging in certain legal activities.
• Fraud – When an employer’s takes extreme actions to the extent that terminating the employee is devious and wrong, it may constitute fraud. This can be the basis of a wrongful termination lawsuit.
• Defamation – If you employer has acted in a way that harms your reputation and good standing in the community, you may be able to file defamation lawsuit.
• Whistle-blowing violations – Whistle blowers are people (here, an employee) who expose illegal or unsafe, information or activity, within their organization. If an employee reports unlawful activity at the workplace, and this becomes the reason their employer fires them, it is considered wrongful termination.

If you suspect that you, or a loved one, has been a victim of wrongful termination, consult a wrongful termination or employment law attorney right away.

To learn more, consult one of the leading workplace discrimination, employment and harassment lawyers in Phoenix, AZ at Chahbazi Law PLLC or call 602-282-5868 Now!Attorney Meenoo Chahbazi uses her extensive experience and passion for employment equality to represent Arizona employees in a wide range of employment matters.

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EmployeeLawoffice Joined: November 19th, 2019