{"id":357808,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:29","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/losing-a-job\/wrongful-termination-checklist.html"},"modified":"2025-04-02T15:52:34","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T20:52:34","slug":"wrongful-termination-checklist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/losing-a-job\/wrongful-termination-checklist.html","title":{"rendered":"Wrongful Termination Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Wrongful Termination Checklist: Do You Have a Legal Claim Against Your Employer?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Wrongful termination occurs when an employer dismisses an employee for illegal reasons, which may include discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, or violation of federal and state laws. If you suspect your firing was unjust, review your employment agreement and company policies, and consider if your dismissal was due to protected characteristics or activities. Document any evidence of discriminatory or retaliatory behavior and consult with a local employment law attorney to discuss your potential legal claims.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

If you recently lost your job, you might wonder if your termination was legal. It is important to know that not all termination from employment is unlawful. Wrongful termination occurs when an employer discharges you from employment for illegal reasons. This could involve a violation of the terms of the employment agreement or a violation of local, state, or federal laws.<\/p>\r\n

Although many terminations from employment are legal, certain exceptions could entitle you to compensation. This article will help you identify illegal actions and determine if you have a wrongful termination case.<\/p>\r\n

To learn more about how state and federal laws might apply to your unique circumstances, consider contacting a local employment law attorney experienced in wrongful termination cases<\/a>. Your conversation with an attorney is confidential, and they can walk you through your options.<\/p>\r\n

Common Grounds for Wrongful Termination Claims<\/h2>\r\n

If your employer fires you, your termination could be illegal if it is based on any of the following factors:<\/p>\r\n