Have You Been Wrongfully or Unlawfully Terminated?

A job is one of the most valuable things we can have.  A job provides you with a steady income, and give you the capability of supporting yourself and your family.  A job offers you a sense of responsibility and purpose.  A job can also provide the opportunity to meet friends, have a sense of belonging, or to expand your professional network.

When your job is taken away from you under wrongful circumstances, it can be devastating to you financially, emotionally, or even socially.  You could be fired for a reason that has nothing to do with something you did.  A company may layoff due to reduced sales, or maybe your manager is impossible to work with, and fails to acknowledge your good work.  There are several scenarios which could lead to termination.

What are reasons I could be fired?

Minnesota is an “at-will” state.  This means that either the employee or employer may terminate a working relationship at any given time during the relationship, for nearly any reason.  However, there are some instances in which it is not legal for your employer to terminate you.  The circumstances that do not constitute legal grounds for termination include:

• Employer Discrimination.  Federal and state laws prohibit an employer from terminating you due to your race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion or religious beliefs, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, gender, age, or because you receive government assistance such as Medicaid, Medicare or Social Security benefits.
• Contractual Employee. If you entered into a contractual agreement with your employer, and your employer prematurely terminates you in violation of your written agreement, your employer is obligated to uphold the terms of your written agreement, and pay you what is owed according to the written agreement.  Furthermore, your employer would be obligated to pay you for any additional damages incurred due to their decision to breach the contract.
• Employer Retaliation. According to certain federal laws, and Minnesota state law, it is not legal for your employer to terminate you for filing a complaint claiming sexual harassment or discrimination with a government agency, such as the Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commission or the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission).  If you decided to take time off under FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act), it is illegal for your employer to terminate you for that reason.  It is also illegal for your employer to terminate you for filing a worker’s compensation claim, or because you submitted a request for disability accommodation.  If you have been fired, penalized, or demoted for exercising your rights according to Minnesota Law, you do have grounds to take legal action.
• Minnesota Whistleblower Law. According to Federal and Minnesota state laws, it is not legal for your employer to terminate you because you have drawn attention to their suspected illegal behavior.  Minnesota Whistleblower Law was created to defend individual employees who have taken it upon themselves to remedy illegal or deceitful behavior performed by their employer.  If you are a “whistleblower” against your employer or coworker, and you were fired because of it, you should contact an employment attorney right away to help you decide if you have a valid claim.

Minneapolis Wrongful Termination Attorney

If you think that you may have been unlawfully terminated, Tarshish Cody, PLC may be able to help.  The attorneys at Tarshish Cody, PLC are devoted to serving as an advocate for our clients’ rights, and are not afraid of taking on government agencies or big corporations.

Tarshish Cody, PLC takes on various employment law cases throughout the state of Minnesota.  We are willing to take on cases that will involve Minnesota state courts, Federal courts, and cases that may include administrative agencies such as the MDHR (Minnesota Department of Human Rights), the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission), or the Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission.  All people have the right to a harassment and discrimination free workplace.

If you or your family member has been unlawfully terminated by an employer in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Twin Cities Metro Area, or anywhere in Minnesota, you should call an employment lawyer right away.  An employment law attorney can help determine if your rights are being upheld, if your case is valid, aid in collecting evidence for your case, and potentially recover a settlement or compensation for your unlawful termination.

To speak with an employment law attorney for a free consultation, call Tarshish Cody, PLC at 952-361-5556 (or fill out the free case evaluation form below).  Depending on the case, you may be eligible for contingency based payment.

Attorney Practicing In This Area

Kyle Kosieracki