What Falls Under Wrongful Termination

Most employment is “at-will,” meaning the employer can fire their employee at any time. But there are some exceptions that can make a firing illegal, as well as other exceptions to at-will rule, that could potentially help you keep your job or even sue for wrongful termination. So what can be considered as wrongful termination? This article will help you identify whether your firing was legal.

Arizona employment laws

Arizona law makes it so that an employer can fire an employee at any time without any notice, although there are a few exceptions to this law:

• If there is a written contract signed by both parties specifying a period of time for employment or restricts the termination of the employee
• If the employer terminates the employee for discriminatory purposes

Employee discrimination

In Arizona and throughout the United States, discrimination is illegal. An employee cannot be terminated for a discriminatory purpose at any time. If you believe you’ve been fired because of your race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, or genetic information you may be able to take legal action on your employer. You can file a complaint of discrimination with a state or federal agency.

Other factors that fall under wrongful termination

There are other reasons that you may be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit for:

• Implied promises – another exception to the at-will rule is if your employer said or did something that implied an employment contract.
• Breaches of good faith and fair dealing – if your employer acted unfairly you may be able to make a wrongful termination claim.
• Violations of public policy – It is illegal to fire someone for reasons that society recognizes are illegal grounds for termination.
• Retaliation – Employers cannot fire employees for engaging in certain legal activities.
• Fraud – Fraud occurs when employer’s actions become so extreme that terminating their employee is devious and wrong.
• Defamation – A defamation lawsuit protects a person’s reputation and good standing in the community.
• Whistle-blowing violations – This protects employees from being terminated for reporting unlawful activities.