When Can At-Will Employees File Wrongful Termination Claims in Maryland?

At-will employees can file wrongful termination claims when they experience discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other unlawful employment practices. If you have a claim against your employer, you may be entitled to back pay and other remedies. An experienced Maryland wrongful termination lawyer can help you take legal action.

While it is commonly said that employers can fire at-will employees “for any reason or no reason at all,” this is not accurate. If you are (or were) an at-will employee, you may be able to file a wrongful termination claim on various grounds.

As an at-will employee, your employer does not need a reason to fire you. However, your employer cannot fire you for an unlawful reason. If your employer violated your legal rights when it terminated your employment, you can—and should—hire a Maryland wrongful termination lawyer to seek appropriate remedies on your behalf.

What Constitutes Wrongful Termination of an At-Will Employee?

Wrongful termination claims can take many different forms. Broadly speaking, however, the grounds for filing a wrongful termination claim generally fall into three categories:

1. Discrimination

Most wrongful termination claims involve discrimination. Multiple state and federal laws prohibit employers from firing employees based on protected traits. If you were fired because of your race, sex, age, religion, pregnancy, or any other protected trait, you may have a claim.

2. Harassment

At-will employees can also file wrongful termination claims based on harassment. The most common example is when an at-will employee is fired for refusing a supervisor’s or another superior’s sexual advances. However, at-will employees who experience a hostile work environment may be able to file a “constructive termination” claim as well.

3. Retaliation

Retaliatory firings can also give rise to wrongful termination claims in many cases. If you were fired after reporting your employer or otherwise exercising (or attempting to exercise) your rights as an employee, it will be worth speaking with a Maryland wrongful termination lawyer about your legal rights.

How Can At-Will Employees File Wrongful Termination Claims in Maryland?

At-will employees can file wrongful termination claims through a variety of different means. With that said, at-will employees must choose the correct means of coming forward depending on the specific circumstances of their case. Potential options for filing a wrongful termination claim in Maryland include:

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – At-will employees who have claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) and other federal laws must typically file their claims with the EEOC.
• Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) – At-will employees who have claims under Maryland’s Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) must typically file their claims with the MCCR.
• A Local Agency or State Court – Some at-will employees may have claims under local law as well. In these cases, at-will employees may need to file a claim with their local agency, or they may be able to sue their employer in court.

If you have a wrongful termination claim, your lawyer can determine what steps you need to take to hold your employer accountable.

FAQs: Filing a Wrongful Termination Claim as an At-Will Employee

How do I know if I have a wrongful termination claim against my employer?

If you have questions about filing a wrongful termination claim, a lawyer experienced in representing at-will employees in Maryland can assess your rights and determine whether legal action is warranted.

Do I need a lawyer to file a wrongful termination claim in Maryland?

While not legally required, hiring a lawyer is strongly recommended. It is up to you to prove your legal rights, and it is also up to you to make sure you are seeking the remedies you deserve.

What are the remedies for wrongful termination in Maryland?

At-will employees with wrongful termination claims can seek financial compensation for lost income and other losses. When desired, at-will employees can seek reinstatement and other equitable remedies (i.e., changes to their employers’ internal policies and procedures).

How We Help At-Will Employees Who Have Been Wrongfully Terminated in Maryland

At The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, we help at-will employees assert their rights under federal, state, and local law. Regardless of what it takes to assert your legal rights, we are prepared to do what it takes to achieve the outcome you deserve.

Schedule an Appointment with a Maryland Wrongful Termination Lawyer Today

To learn more about filing a wrongful termination claim as an at-will employee in Maryland, contact us today. Call 410-514-6099 or inquire online to schedule a confidential consultation as soon as possible.