Abogados de Wrongful Termination

Wrongful Termination Lawyers in the United States

Losing a job is stressful. Losing a job illegally can upend your finances, your confidence, and your career trajectory. A wrongful termination lawyer fights to hold employers accountable when they fire workers in violation of federal or state law.

What Wrongful Termination Covers

Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires someone for an illegal reason. The United States generally follows at-will employment, meaning employers can terminate workers for most reasons — but not for unlawful ones. Illegal reasons include discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin under federal laws like Title VII and the ADA.

Claims also arise from retaliation, where an employer fires someone for filing a complaint, reporting safety violations, or participating in a workplace investigation. Firings that violate an employment contract — written or implied — fall under wrongful termination as well. Whistleblower protections, FMLA violations, and breaches of public policy round out the most common claim types.

When to Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer

• You were fired shortly after reporting harassment, discrimination, or illegal activity at work
• Your employer terminated you while you were on approved medical or family leave
• You believe your firing was based on your race, gender, age, disability, or another protected characteristic
• Your employer violated the terms of a written or implied employment agreement
• You were let go after filing a workers' compensation claim or participating in a government investigation

How the Process Works

Most wrongful termination cases begin with filing a charge through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or an equivalent state agency. The EEOC resolved over 73,000 workplace discrimination charges in fiscal year 2022. You typically must file within 180 to 300 days of the termination, depending on your location and claim type.

After investigation, the agency may issue a right-to-sue letter, which allows you to file a lawsuit in court. Many cases settle before trial — roughly 90% of employment disputes resolve through negotiation or mediation. Your lawyer will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a case to maximize your recovery.

How Compensation Is Calculated

• Back pay covers wages and benefits lost from the date of termination through resolution of the case
• Front pay compensates for future lost earnings when reinstatement is not practical
• Emotional distress damages account for anxiety, depression, and psychological harm caused by the firing
• Punitive damages may apply in cases involving intentional misconduct or malice by the employer
• Attorney fees and court costs are often recoverable under federal employment statutes, meaning the employer pays them

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue for wrongful termination if I was an at-will employee?

Yes. At-will employment does not give employers the right to fire you for illegal reasons. If your termination violated anti-discrimination laws, retaliation protections, or public policy, you have a valid claim regardless of your at-will status.

How long does a wrongful termination case typically take?

Most cases resolve within 6 to 18 months. Cases that settle during the EEOC process or early mediation move faster. If a lawsuit goes to trial, the timeline can stretch to two years or more depending on court schedules and the complexity of the evidence.