Wrongful Termination

In most states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, employment is “at will”. This means that the employer may fire an employee at any time without warning for any reason or no reason at all. An employee may also quit at any time without notice for any reason or no reason at all. However, the “at-will doctrine” generally works to the employer’s benefit. The employer’s ability to fire “at will” is limited only by laws which prohibit an employer from firing an employee because of a protected class feature (See “Workplace Discrimination”), for refusing sexual advances, (See “Sexual Harassment”), for asserting rights to be paid proper wages (See “Wages and Overtime”), and in other limited circumstances which may include violations of “public policy.” An example of a violation of public policy would be an employer discharging an employee for submitting a workers compensation claim. The workers compensation law does not expressly state it is unlawful for an employer to fire an employee who submits a claim. However, the courts have said it is unlawful for an employer to do so because an employee has a legal right to workers compensation if injured.

If you feel you have been wrongfully terminated, contact us or give us a call at (215) 493-8287 to schedule a free consultation. Mr. Scott Fegley will personally discuss your situation with you by telephone or email and will tell you whether you may have the right to sue your employer.