What Qualifies as Wrongful Termination?

To be wrongfully terminated is to be fired for an illegal reason, which may involve violation of federal anti-discrimination laws or a contractual breach. For instance, an employee cannot be fired on the basis of her race, gender, ethnic background, religion, or disability.

What is an example of wrongful termination?

The definition of wrongful termination is when they fire you illegally. That can mean discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or breach of contract. If your boss makes you quit, that's also unlawful termination. For example, if your office job suddenly involves cleaning all the public restrooms.

What makes a termination wrongful?

To prove a case of wrongful termination, the fired worker generally has to show that the employer's stated reason for the discharge was false, and that the termination was for an illegal reason. That illegal reason is generally unlawful retaliation, discrimination, a breach of contract, or a violation of public policy.