Cleveland, TN Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Being terminated from a job is never easy. But when an employer terminates an employee unfairly or without just cause, it can be even more difficult. Employment in Cleveland is at will which means that employers can fire employees at any time and for any reason. In turn, employees can quit a job at any time and for any reason. But this does not mean that employees do not have any protection.
When employees feel as though they were wrongfully fired from a job, they should speak to an experienced attorney. A Cleveland wrongful termination lawyer may be able to tell you what your legal options are.
Cleveland Employment Laws
Under the Civil Rights Act, no employee can be fired for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, or natural origin. This is discrimination and is an illegal practice. So, while a Cleveland employer can fire an employee for many reasons, discrimination is not one of them.
Tennessee courts also established other limitations for terminating an employee. One of these is that if the employee was at any time promised ongoing employment, this could be considered a contract. If the employee was then terminated, the employer may have breached that contract. This promise does not have to be in writing, although it can be.
Employers may also not go against an established public policy of the state when terminating an employee. For example, if an employee files a workers’ compensation claim or takes a qualified FMLA leave, they may not be fired for these actions.
In 2014 Governor Haslam passed two laws that worked in the favor of employers and made work environments even more difficult for employees. These laws limit the amount of compensation an employee may receive for a wrongful termination. They also restrict the employee from naming managers, supervisors, and other individuals in wrongful termination lawsuits. Contact a Cleveland unfairly work attorney to learn more.
Remedies for Wrongful Termination
When an employee believes they have been wrongfully terminated from their job, there are steps they can take. The first is to file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This can be done with the help of a wrongfully fired lawyer. Upon receiving the complaint the EEOC will start their own investigation in order to evaluate the allegations made in the complaint.
If the Commission finds after that investigation that the complaint is valid, they will issue a Right to Sue letter to the employee. This letter will give the employee the right to sue the employer. That lawsuit must be filed within 90 days of receiving the letter. Should an employee win the lawsuit, they may be eligible for reinstated employment, back pay, front pay, and punitive damages.
Contact a Cleveland Wrongful Termination Attorney Today
Although employment in Cleveland is largely at will, there are certain protections for employees. Anyone fired due to race, color, religion, sex, or disability or anyone who was fired in breach of contact may have legal recourse.
If you feel as though you have been wrongfully terminated from your job, speak to a Cleveland wrongful termination lawyer that can help you with your case. Even if you do not wish to get your job back, you may be eligible for compensation and an experienced attorney can help you get it.
