Pennsylvania Retaliatory Discharge
Pennsylvania is an employment-at-will state. This means that unless you have an employment agreement, you can be fired without cause. However, your employer cannot fire you for an illegal reason — for example, because you are pregnant. It often takes an attorney's help to determine the difference between a legal termination and one that is illegal.
At the law firm of Joshua M. Bloom & Associates, P.C., we represent the victims of wrongful termination in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and explain your options.
When Is Termination Wrongful?
Many people who are terminated feel that they were fired unfairly. However, there is a difference between "unfair" and "illegal." You only have a case against your employer if the firing was illegal.
Termination is illegal only if it is based on your protected status or because you engaged in a protected activity. For example, your employer cannot fire you:
- Based on your age, race, gender, disability, national origin, sexual orientation (some locations) religion or pregnancy
- For filing a workers' compensation claim
- For complaining of discrimination or sexual harassment
- For taking family or medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act
- For refusing to do an action that is illegal
However, your supervisor can fire you because you dated his cousin. While unfair, the termination is not illegal because dating the boss's cousin is not a protected activity.
What Compensation Can I Receive if My Employer Illegally Terminates Me?
Compensation in wrongful termination cases can include back wages, lost benefits, job reinstatement in certain cases, lost future pay and benefits, emotional distress, and punitive damages in certain cases.
Free Attorney Consultation
Please call our Pittsburgh wrongful termination lawyers at 866-974-0915 for a free and confidential consultation. We handle most wrongful termination cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay nothing unless we obtain compensation for you.
