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Browse our 2 legal questions about Wrongful Termination in United States and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
In Anchorage, as with the rest of Alaska, wrongful termination is termed to occur when an employee is fired from their employment in a manner that violates public policy or their explicit or implicit employment contract. Under federal and state law, it is illegal for an employer to terminate an employee due to discriminatory reasons, a violation of written or oral contracts, or in retaliation for the employee's legal activities.
If you believe your employer wrongfully terminated you, you may need a lawyer to evaluate your claims and assist you in pursuing legal recourse. Common situations warranting legal assistance may include being fired on the basis of discrimination related to race, gender, religion, age, national origin, pregnancy, or disability. Retaliation by an employer, such as being fired for filing a complaint against the employer, or whistleblowing activities may also call for legal assistance. Lawyers can help you document the dismissal, gather necessary evidence, and represent you in legal proceedings.
In Anchorage, the key laws applicable to wrongful termination are contained in the Alaska Statutes Title 18. Discrimination, which makes it illegal for employers to discriminate based on race, religion, color, or national origin, among other things. The Whistleblower Protection Act (Alaska Statutes Title 18.60.89) protects employees who report illegal activities from being wrongfully terminated. Additionally, Anchorage Municipal Code Title 5 further strengthens these protections within city limits. Bear in mind that Alaska is an "at-will" state, meaning either the employee or employer may terminate employment at any time, unless a contract or law specifies otherwise.
Wrongful termination typically involves dismissal on discriminatory grounds, retaliation, breach of employment contract, or any termination that violates local, state, or federal law.
Evidence may include emails, text messages, witness testimonies, or any other document that can show discriminatory behavior or retaliatory action by your employer leading to your termination.
Yes. Even in an at-will employment setting, employers cannot violate anti-discrimination laws or retaliate against whistleblowers, for example.
You may be entitled to lost wages, emotional distress damages, attorney’s fees, punitive damages, and in some cases, reinstatement to your former position.
Under the Alaska Statute of Limitations, you typically have two years from the date of your termination to file a wrongful termination lawsuit. However, you may have only 180 days to file a discrimination claim with the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights.
You may use the resources provided by organizations such as the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission. These entities provide valuable information and handle complaints related to workplace discrimination and wrongful terminations.
If you think you've been wrongfully terminated and require legal assistance, start by consulting with a knowledgeable wrongful termination lawyer in Anchorage. They can help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and guide you on the best course of action. Be sure to document all relevant conversations or incidents and gather any potential evidence relevant to your case. You should also file a complaint with the relevant state or federal agency promptly as there are strict timelines for reporting wrongful terminations.
