Best Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Tempe

About Wrongful Termination Law in Tempe, United States

Wrongful termination refers to being fired from a job for illegal reasons or in violation of an employment agreement. In Tempe, Arizona, as in much of the United States, employment is generally considered "at-will." This means employers can let employees go at any time and for almost any reason. However, there are important exceptions. If an employer fires someone for reasons that violate federal, state, or local laws, it may qualify as wrongful termination. Key protections include laws against discrimination, retaliation, and violations of employment contracts.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Wrongful termination cases can be complex. Legal help is often beneficial in situations such as:

• You believe you were fired because of your race, gender, religion, age, disability, or nationality.
• You were terminated after complaining about workplace safety violations or illegal activity (whistleblowing).
• Your employer fired you in retaliation for filing a complaint, taking leave, or participating in an investigation.
• You had a written, implied, or oral employment contract which your employer broke by firing you.
• You suspect your termination was connected to refusing illegal requests from your employer.

An attorney can help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and potentially recover compensation or other remedies.

Local Laws Overview

In Tempe, wrongful termination claims are mainly covered by federal laws, Arizona state laws, and some local ordinances. Key federal laws include the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Arizona law reinforces many of these protections and provides additional safeguards, such as the Arizona Employment Protection Act. Tempe follows these laws and does not have significant additional wrongful termination ordinances, but city employees may have extra protections. If you were terminated contrary to these laws or in breach of an employment contract, you may have a valid wrongful termination claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as wrongful termination in Tempe?

Wrongful termination includes being fired for reasons that are illegal, such as discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, or refusing to participate in illegal acts.

What laws protect employees from wrongful termination?

Employees in Tempe are protected by federal laws like Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and state laws such as the Arizona Employment Protection Act.

Can I sue my employer if I was fired without a written contract?

Yes, you can still have a wrongful termination claim even without a written contract if your termination violated public policy or anti-discrimination laws.

If I quit because my employer created a hostile environment, can it be wrongful termination?

Possibly. This is called constructive discharge. If the work environment was so hostile you had no choice but to resign, you may have a claim.

How long do I have to file a wrongful termination claim?

Time limits vary. For discrimination claims, you generally have 180 days to file with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. State law deadlines may differ, so it is important to act quickly.

What should I do if I think I was wrongfully terminated?

Gather documentation related to your employment and termination, write down what happened, and contact a qualified employment lawyer as soon as possible.

What compensation could I receive if I win my case?

Remedies may include back pay, reinstatement, compensation for emotional distress, attorneys' fees, and sometimes punitive damages.

Are all terminations for unfair reasons considered wrongful under the law?

No. Only terminations for illegal reasons are considered wrongful. Being let go for unfair but legal reasons does not always give rise to a claim.

Can I be fired for filing a workers' compensation claim?

No. It is illegal for an employer to fire you in retaliation for filing a valid workers' compensation claim in Arizona.

Do these laws apply to small businesses too?

Some laws, like Title VII, only apply to employers with 15 or more employees. However, certain protections, such as wage laws and whistleblower protections, may apply regardless of business size.

Additional Resources

If you need more information about wrongful termination in Tempe, consider contacting these organizations:

• Arizona Attorney General's Office - Civil Rights Division
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - Phoenix District
• Arizona Department of Economic Security
• Maricopa County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
• Local Legal Aid organizations (such as Community Legal Services)

Next Steps

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, here is what you can do next:

1. Document everything: Save termination letters, email correspondence, employee handbooks, and performance reviews.
2. Write down the details: Record dates, actions, and the names of involved parties.
3. Contact a qualified employment lawyer: They can assess your situation and advise you on the best course of action.
4. Consider filing a complaint with a relevant agency: For example, file with the EEOC for discrimination claims, or the Arizona Attorney General for civil rights issues.
5. Do not delay: Many claims have strict deadlines, so take action as soon as possible.

Consulting with a legal professional is an important step to protect your rights and explore your options if you have been wrongfully terminated in Tempe.