Franklin County Wrongful Termination Attorneys

Wrongful termination is often misunderstood. Many times, employees believe they can sue their employer for wrongful termination if they were unfairly fired. That is not the case. Under Ohio’s at-will employment laws, employers can generally fire employees for virtually any reason, or for no reason at all. However, there are exceptions, and an employer cannot violate the law. If an employer fires an employee for a reason prohibited by law, the employee may be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit.

Wrongful termination cases in Franklin County are challenging and hard to prove. Employees who feel they have been wrongfully fired should speak with a Franklin County wrongful termination attorney for help with their case.

At-Will Employment in Franklin County

Ohio is among many states that follow the legal doctrine of at-will employment. This means, generally speaking, an employer can fire an employee for any reason. Many employees believe employers must provide a fair reason for firing them, but in actuality. employers are not required to provide a reason for firing an employee at all.

Because Ohio is an at-will employment state, employees can quit at any time. And also leave a job for any reason. The definition of at-will employment is slightly deceiving, though. It implies that all terminations are legal, which is incorrect.

Exceptions to Franklin County’s At-Will Employment Doctrine

In Ohio, there are exceptions to the at-will employment doctrine. Some of the common exceptions include:

• When an employment contract outlines specific job protections, duration of employment, or requires cause for termination.
• When there is an implied contract, even though a contract is not in writing. Employee handbooks and promises of continued employment in exchange for good performance may be forms of implied contracts.
• When the termination of the employee violates public policy, such as firing an employee because they had to serve on a jury.
• When an employee is in a union and the grounds for termination are specified in the Union’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• When the termination is unlawful and violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or another federal or state laws.

If an employer violates the law when firing an employee, the employee may be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit against that employer. For example, if an employee was fired for taking lawful medical leave, the employee might have a claim. Additionally, if an employee filed a whistleblower claim and was fired for it, that employee may also have a claim.

Call Our Franklin County Wrongful Termination Attorneys for Help

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated for any of the reasons above, call our wrongful termination attorneys in Franklin County. We will discuss your situation with you and work hard to help you obtain all legal remedies that you are entitled to receive, such as reinstatement (if appropriate), compensation for front and back pay and lost benefits, emotional distress, and payment of attorney’s fees and costs. If you have been wrongfully terminated, you should call our attorneys today or contact us online so we can begin evaluating your case.