Losing a job is scary, no matter how healthy the economy is. Terminated workers have many concerns, such as whether they can find another job or even pay the bills. Unfortunately, some workers are terminated in violation of the law. Their employer illegally discriminates or tries to get them to break the law, firing them when the worker refuses. Helpfully, these workers might have legal remedies. Premier Law Group can help review your legal rights if you schedule a meeting with a Renton wrongful termination attorney.
Washington is an At Will Employment State
Employers in Washington have a free hand to decide whether they want to let a worker go. Like 48 other states, Washington is an “at will” state, but there are some restrictions. For example, you might have an employment contract, which would spell out “cause” for termination.
Other limitations include anti-discrimination law and laws against retaliation.
Discriminatory Termination
Both Washington and the federal government prohibit discrimination based on certain characteristics:
- Age
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- National origin
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Disability
- Genetic information
These laws protect workers from all negative employment actions, including termination. If your employer fired you because they discovered you are gay or are Muslim, then the firing is illegal. The same is true if they fire you based on any of the above protected characteristics.
Retaliatory Termination
Your employer cannot terminate you for exercising a right, such as:
- Filing for workers’ compensation
- Requesting leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Asking for a reasonable accommodation at work due to disability
- Complaining about sexual harassment or discrimination
- Blowing the whistle on illegal activity (in certain situations)
How Premier Law Group Can Help
Filing a wrongful termination claim is difficult. Some workers fear being blacklisted in their industry. Although that is a real concern, you should still meet with a Renton wrongful termination lawyer to discuss your case confidentially. It’s best to know your rights.
We help clients by:
- Listening to your story and answering questions
- Analyzing whether you have a valid wrongful termination claim
- Identifying what evidence you will need to bolster your claim
- Interviewing witnesses to find out what they saw
- Determining where to file your claim (court or an administrative agency)
We might negotiate with your employer for compensation, such as backpay, or even for job reinstatement. Our clients can typically request attorneys’ fees and costs to bring a claim. In other situations, we might need to attend mediation or even litigate your claim in court. Premier Law Group is prepared to help workers in any way we can.
Speak with Our Renton Wrongful Termination Lawyers
Many workers are unsure of how to proceed after losing their job. You might suspect discrimination, but you aren’t entirely confident that’s the case. The good news is that you can schedule a confidential meeting with Premier Law Group. We will analyze the evidence to determine whether it makes sense to move forward. Our consultations are 100% confidential, and no one will know unless you go ahead and file a discrimination claim or lawsuit. Call us today.