Wrongful termination happens when your employer fires you for an illegal reason. Learn what qualifies as wrongful discharge and the actions you can take.
Your termination could be wrongful if your employer fired you:
Termination could also be considered wrongful if your employer fired you, but did not follow their termination policies.
If you were fired in retaliation for reporting unsafe or illegal work practices or products, you have whistleblower protections. Report your termination to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Find instructions for filing a whistleblower complaint.
If your employer fired you because you exercised rights under a state labor law, report your termination to your state's labor department.
If your employer fired you because you exercised rights related to leave, wages, or overtime, complain to the Department of Labor.
You can also reach out directly to their Wage and Hour Division's local office.
Seek legal counsel if your employer wrongfully fired you for a reason not under state or federal law.