Wrongful Termination Due to Discrimination
Fighting for Fairness After Unlawful Termination — Kennedy Law
Being fired from a job is stressful under any circumstance—but when the termination is based on discrimination, it becomes not just unfair, but illegal. Employees are protected by federal and state laws from being fired because of who they are. If an employer has terminated someone based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics, that individual may have a legal claim for wrongful termination due to discrimination. At Kennedy Law, Mr. Kennedy is dedicated to holding employers accountable when they violate civil rights in the workplace.
What You Should Know About Discriminatory Termination:
- It is illegal to fire someone because of a protected characteristic. Federal and state laws prohibit employers from making employment decisions based on race, color, sex, age (40 or older), disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, military status, and more.
- Discrimination can be subtle or obvious. Sometimes it’s clear—such as a manager making derogatory remarks before firing someone. Other times, it may be hidden behind false performance claims or sudden policy changes targeting specific employees.
- Wrongful termination often follows a pattern. This can include demotions, unequal discipline, denied promotions, or harassment leading up to the termination.
- Retaliation is also illegal. Employers cannot fire an employee for reporting discrimination, filing a complaint, or participating in an investigation. That’s considered retaliatory discharge and is a separate legal violation.
- Employees have legal rights after being fired. Filing a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a state agency may be required before bringing a lawsuit. Mr. Kennedy can guide clients through each step of this process.
- Time limits apply. There are strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) for filing discrimination and wrongful termination claims, which can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of claim.
- Compensation may be available. Employees who are wrongfully terminated may be entitled to back pay, reinstatement, emotional distress damages, and sometimes punitive damages, depending on the facts of the case.