Practice Areas Washington, D.C. Employment Law Washington, D.C. Wrongful Termination

Washington D.C. Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Learn About Your Legal Rights from an Experienced Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Employees in Washington, D.C. can pursue wrongful termination claims on numerous grounds. While the District of Columbia is an at-will employment jurisdiction, there are still strict prohibitions against terminating employees for discriminatory and other improper reasons. If you have been improperly terminated from your job, a Washington, D.C. wrongful termination lawyer at our firm can help you take appropriate legal action.

Common Grounds for Wrongful Termination Claims

When can (and should) you file a wrongful termination claim in Washington, D.C.? Some of the most common grounds for filing these claims include:

Discrimination

Several laws prohibit employers from discriminating against employees in Washington, D.C. Collectively, the District of Columbia Human Rights Act (DCHRA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), and other federal anti-discrimination laws prohibit employers from firing employees because of their:

• Age (Over 40)
• Credit information
• Disability
• Family status or responsibilities
• Gender identity or expression
• Genetic information
• Marital status
• Personal appearance
• Political affiliation
• Pregnancy
• Race, color, or national origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Veteran status

Even this is not an exhaustive list. If you believe that you were terminated for any reason unrelated to your employment or your employer’s legitimate business operations, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. There are several ways to prove discrimination in wrongful termination cases, and our lawyers have extensive experience pursuing these cases on behalf of terminated employees.

Family or Medical Leave

While the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles qualifying employees to job-protected leave, violations of the Act are common. Many employers do not have a clear understanding of their obligations under the law, and while this might explain their violations, it does not excuse them. If you were fired after taking protected leave under the FMLA, you may have a claim for wrongful termination.

Request for Reasonable Accommodation

You may also have a claim for wrongful termination if you were fired after requesting a reasonable accommodation from your employer. Employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations for disabilities, pregnancy, and religious beliefs; and if an employer cannot provide the specific accommodation an employee requests, it must work with the employee to find a mutually agreeable solution.

Retaliation

Employers are prohibited from retaliating against their employees under both Washington, D.C., and federal law. This includes, but is not limited to, retaliating against employees who report unlawful practices or who stand up for their legal rights. If you believe that your termination was retaliatory, our lawyers can help in this scenario as well.

Breach of Employment Contract

We can also help if you were fired in violation of your employment contract. Breaching employment contracts can expose employers to liability for damages and other remedies. We have extensive experience representing employees in these cases as well, and our lawyers can help you make informed and strategic decisions based on the specific circumstances at hand.

Filing a Wrongful Termination Claim in Washington, D.C.

If you have grounds to file a wrongful termination claim in Washington, D.C., the specific steps you need to take to assert your legal rights depend on the circumstances of your case. Generally speaking, the potential options for pursuing wrongful termination cases in Washington, D.C. include:

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – The EEOC handles wrongful termination cases involving discrimination claims under Title VII and other federal laws.
• District of Columbia Office of Human Rights (DCOHR) – The DCOHR handles wrongful termination cases involving discrimination claims under the DCHRA.
• Mediation – In some cases, employees may have the option (or the obligation) to pursue mediation in lieu of (or prior to) taking formal legal action.
• Arbitration – Employees may also be required to arbitrate their wrongful termination claims in certain circumstances.
• Washington D.C. or Federal Court – When necessary, employees who have wrongful termination claims can seek appropriate remedies in Washington D.C. or federal court.

In all cases, time is of the essence. Strict deadlines apply, and waiting longer than necessary to assert your legal rights could lead to unnecessary challenges. With this in mind, if you have questions about filing a wrongful termination claim, we strongly recommend that you speak with a Washington, D.C. wrongful termination lawyer as soon as possible.

Potential Remedies in Washington, D.C. Wrongful Termination Cases

If you have a wrongful termination claim in Washington, D.C., it will be up to you to decide what remedies you want to seek in your case. Broadly speaking, the types of remedies that are available in wrongful termination cases include:

• Reinstatement
• Back pay with interest
• Additional compensatory damages
• Punitive damages (in some cases)
• Legal fees and costs

Our lawyers can explain your options in detail and help you make informed decisions that are best for you. In many (but not all) cases, settling is a viable option, and if it makes sense to target a settlement in your case, our lawyers can negotiate with your former employer on your behalf.

FAQs: Understanding Your Legal Rights After Wrongful Termination of Your Employment in Washington, D.C.

When Can I File a Wrongful Termination Claim in Washington, D.C.?

Former employees in Washington, D.C. can file wrongful termination claims on various grounds. If you suspect that your termination may have been wrongful for any reason, we recommend discussing your situation with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.

Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Wrongful Termination Claim in Washington, D.C.?

While not required, hiring a lawyer is strongly recommended. Wrongful termination claims can involve a variety of complex issues under both Washington D.C. and federal law, and proving your legal rights may involve obtaining internal documentation from your employer.

Request a Consultation with a Washington, D.C. Wrongful Termination Lawyer

If you have questions about filing a wrongful termination claim in Washington, D.C., we are here to help. Call 410-514-6099 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with a Washington D.C. wrongful termination lawyer at The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford.