Ringgold Wrongful Termination Lawyer

When you have been let go from a job it is devastating, regardless of the reason. When you have been wrongfully terminated, those feelings of devastation are elevated and accompanied by feelings of anger and frustration. Wrongful termination occurs when an employee has been fired for a reason that is against the law.

If you have experienced wrongful termination, you may have a claim under federal or state anti-discrimination statutes or contract law depending on the alleged violation in your case. The Ringgold wrongful termination lawyers at our firm have the knowledge and skill to help guide you through your wrongful termination case. A dedicated FLSA attorney can help you work toward a positive resolution.

At-Will Employment in Ringgold

Ringgold is an at-will employment jurisdiction. Most employees in Ringgold are at-will employees. This means that unless an employee has an employment contract, they can be fired for any reason or no reason, as long as it is not illegal. Unlawful bases for termination are those that violate a federal or state law.

Although the employment-at-will doctrine can produce unfair outcomes, this does not necessarily mean that they are illegal outcomes. Personality differences or simply disliking an employee or their work product are all legally permissible reasons for terminating employment. Employers are not required to give an employee any notice prior to terminating employment.

Discriminatory Termination

Terminating employment in violation of anti-discrimination laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act are exceptions to the at-will employment doctrine. An employer cannot fire an employee if the reasons for that termination are based on legally protected characteristics.

Several federal and state laws protect employees from discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information gender, sex, and pregnancy. State law in Ringgold offers much more limited coverage than the federal anti-discrimination laws, therefore many cases are pursued under federal law. For assistance with building a defense, reach out to a Ringgold wrongful termination lawyer.

Retaliatory Termination

Employers are prohibited from retaliating against an employee who is asserting a legal right. Wrongful termination occurs in this context when an employer fires an employee for participating in a protected activity such as:

  •        Reporting discrimination in the workplace
  •        Refusing to participate in discriminatory behavior
  •        Reporting unsafe working conditions
  •        Filing a wage and hour claim
  •        Filing and/or helping another employee file a claim for harassment or discrimination

Family and Medical Leave Resulting in Wrongful Termination

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) permits employees to take an unpaid medical leave for a period up to 12 weeks under certain circumstances. If an employer refuses to reinstate an employee to their position after taking a permissible medical leave under the FMLA, they may have a case of wrongful termination.

Employment Contract Violations

The terms of a valid employment contract between an employer and an employee must be honored by both parties. Employment contracts typically specify certain parameters around termination that must be followed. If an employer fires an employee in violation of an existing employment contract, this may be a breach of contract case involving wrongful termination. For more information, get in contact with a Ringgold wrongful termination lawyer today.

Reaching Out to a Ringgold Wrongful Termination Attorney

If you have reason to believe that your employer has terminated your employment illegally, a Ringgold wrongful termination lawyer may be able to help. Our attorneys extremely knowledgeable and well-practiced in all aspects of wrongful termination. To set up a consultation to learn more about how we can represent you in your wrongful termination matter, call today.