Best Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Murfreesboro

1. About Wrongful Termination Law in Murfreesboro, United States

Murfreesboro, Tennessee follows the general rule that most employees are employed at will. This means employers can terminate employment for any legal reason or for no reason at all, absent an exception. Wrongful termination claims typically arise when a firing violates federal or state law, public policy, or an employment contract. In practice, most wrongful termination suits in Murfreesboro involve discrimination, retaliation, or breach of an existing agreement.

Federal and state protections create important carve-outs. For example, discrimination based on protected characteristics or retaliation for protected activity is unlawful under federal law. Public policy exceptions recognized by Tennessee courts also limit at-will terminations in certain scenarios. For actionable guidance, an attorney can help evaluate whether a termination falls outside the at-will doctrine.

“Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.”

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - eeoc.gov

In Tennessee, the state law also shields employees from unlawful practices under the Tennessee Human Rights Act alongside federal protections. These frameworks together shape wrongful termination cases in Murfreesboro. For residents, understanding the intersection of federal rights and state remedies is essential to a strong claim.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• You were fired after requesting reasonable accommodations for a disability at a Murfreesboro employer, and the termination followed a formal accommodation request.
• You were terminated soon after filing a workers’ compensation claim in Tennessee, which you suspect is retaliation rather than a legitimate business decision.
• You witnessed or reported safety or environmental violations, and your supervisor responded with discharge or an adverse employment action.
• You believe your termination was connected to protected characteristics such as race, sex, religion, or age, and you want to know if THRA or federal law applies.
• You signed a severance agreement or release and later suspect coercion, misrepresentation, or a violation of the agreement’s terms.

3. Local Laws Overview

In Murfreesboro, federal and state laws provide the backbone for wrongful termination claims. The main frameworks you should know are listed below.

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - Federal law prohibiting discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It applies to employers with a certain minimum number of employees and to state and local governments.
• Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA) - State law prohibiting employment discrimination and retaliation in Tennessee, enforced by the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. The THRA provides parallel protections to federal law within Tennessee.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - Federal law protecting qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination and requiring reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

Recent enforcement patterns show rising attention to retaliation across both THRA and federal statutes in Tennessee workplaces, including Murfreesboro. Filing deadlines typically require prompt action with either the THRC or the EEOC when federal protections may apply. For state-specific time limits, consult THRC guidance and local counsel.

Note on timelines and local procedures: In Tennessee, many claims involving THRA must be filed within 300 days of the discriminatory act with the THRC or the EEOC if aligned with federal law. Always confirm current deadlines with a local attorney or the appropriate agency.

“The Tennessee Human Rights Act provides protections against discrimination in employment in Tennessee.”

Tennessee Human Rights Commission - tn.gov/hrc

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Notes on timelines and steps: If you think you have a wrongful termination claim, start gathering documents now. Keep pay stubs, emails, performance reviews, and the termination notice. Timelines are strict and missing a deadline can bar your claim.

5. Additional Resources

• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - Federal enforcement and guidance on anti-discrimination laws including Title VII, ADA, and ADEA.
• Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) - State agency that enforces the Tennessee Human Rights Act and handles discrimination and retaliation complaints in Tennessee.
• Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development - State agency addressing workplace rights, unemployment claims, wage issues, and claims processing.

6. Next Steps

1. Gather all relevant documents within 1 week: termination notice, HR communications, benefits information, and any handbook or contract.
2. Identify potential claims by date within Murfreesboro and Tennessee timeframes; note deadlines for THRA and federal charges.
3. Consult a local wrongful termination attorney within 2-3 weeks to review facts and potential remedies.
4. Prepare a concise timeline and list of witnesses for your initial consultation; bring copies of key documents.
5. Ask about fees, return on investment, and whether the attorney will handle THRC/EEOC filings on a contingency basis.
6. Decide on representation within 2-4 weeks after consultations; sign a retainer if you proceed.
7. Notify your attorney of any new developments or correspondence with the employer during the process.