Can you sue a company for firing you?

Can You Sue a Company for Firing You?

If you’re wondering, can you sue a company for firing you, the answer is: it depends on why you were terminated. While Ohio is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can generally fire employees without warning or cause, there are critical exceptions. If your termination violated state or federal employment laws, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

An experienced employment lawyer can help determine whether your firing was lawful or if legal action is appropriate.

Can You Sue a Company for Firing You Based on Discrimination?

Yes- if you were fired for a discriminatory reason, you could have a valid legal claim. Both federal law and Ohio Revised Code § 4112 protect employees from being fired based on:

• Race

• Gender

• Pregnancy

• Religion

• National origin

• Age (40 or older)

• Disability

For example, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, it is illegal to fire an employee due to their race, religion, or sex. Similarly, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act offer protections to disabled workers and those over 40.

If you suspect discrimination played a role in your termination, an employment attorney can help file a charge with the EEOC or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, a step that must be taken before filing a lawsuit.

Can You Sue a Company for Firing You in Retaliation?

Absolutely. Retaliation is one of the most common illegal reasons for termination. It occurs when an employer fires someone for engaging in a legally protected activity, such as:

• Reporting unpaid wages or unpaid overtime

• Complaining about workplace discrimination or harassment

• Participating in a workplace investigation

• Filing a workers’ compensation claim

• Requesting medical or family leave under the FMLA

These actions are protected by law. Firing someone in response may justify legal action.

Can You Sue a Company for Firing You in Violation of a Contract?

Yes, if you have a written or implied employment contract, and your employer terminated you in violation of that agreement, you may be able to sue for breach of contract.

Implied contracts might arise from company policies, offer letters, or verbal assurances, even in at-will employment states like Ohio. An employment lawyer can review your contract and any related communications to evaluate your rights.

Can You Sue a Company for Firing You in Violation of Public Policy?

Ohio courts recognize an exception to at-will employment called wrongful discharge in violation of public policy. This means you may have a claim if you were fired for:

• Refusing to engage in illegal activities

• Reporting legal violations by your employer

• Exercising a legal right (e.g., voting, serving on a jury)

In such cases, you don’t need to prove discrimination or a written contract, only that the firing goes against established public policy.

Legal Deadlines to Sue a Company for Firing You

Employment claims come with strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations:

• Discrimination or retaliation claims: File with the EEOC or Ohio Civil Rights Commission within 180 to 300 days

• Breach of contract: Generally up to 8 years in Ohio, depending on the nature of the agreement

• Public policy violations: Typically 2 years from the date of termination

Failing to act quickly could cause you to lose the right to sue. That’s why speaking with an employment attorney promptly is essential.

Can You Sue a Company for Firing You Unfairly?

Being fired unfairly isn’t always the same as being fired illegally. Employers can terminate employees for reasons that feel wrong, such as office politics or poor management, without violating the law.

However, if the real reason behind your termination is illegal, you may have a claim. An employment lawyer can help uncover the true motive behind your firing and advise you on next steps.

Contact Coffman Legal for a Free Consultation

Still asking yourself, can you sue a company for firing you? Let the experienced team at Coffman Legal help you find out. Our Ohio-based employment lawyers know how to investigate wrongful termination, protect your rights, and guide you through the legal process. Call today for a free and confidential consultation.