Wrongful Termination in Ohio
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Employers in Ohio generally have discretion in hiring and firing decisions. However, there are circumstances where a termination is unlawful. A firing becomes wrongful termination when it violates state law, federal law, or an employment agreement. Losing your job is always stressful, but when it is done unlawfully, you may have grounds for legal action.
According to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, employment in the state is generally at-will when no written contract or collective bargaining agreement is in place.
Even so, exceptions exist. Employers may not fire workers based on discrimination, retaliation for exercising protected rights, or in violation of implied contractual promises such as those found in employee handbooks. Courts in Ohio have recognized these exceptions in wrongful termination claims.
Types of Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination can occur in many ways, ranging from intentional misconduct to an employer’s lack of awareness of labor laws. Larger corporations often rely on human resources professionals to avoid such violations, but smaller employers may not. If you believe your termination was unlawful, it is important to speak with a wrongful termination lawyer in Ohio to evaluate your options.
Limitations of At-Will Employment
Although Ohio follows the at-will employment doctrine, employers cannot fire employees for illegal reasons. Both federal and state laws create exceptions to at-will termination.
Ohio law prohibits employers from requiring workers to join a union, but unlike some states, Ohio has not enacted Right-to-Work laws. As a result, employers may require employees to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment.
Employers are also prohibited from terminating employees in retaliation for reporting illegal conduct or refusing to participate in unlawful acts. If you were fired for one of these reasons, you may be eligible to bring a wrongful termination claim.
Discrimination
Discriminatory termination is one of the most common bases for wrongful termination claims. Employers cannot fire workers because of:
- Race or color
- Religion
- Sex, pregnancy, or gender
- National origin or ethnicity
- Age
- Disability
Some states provide additional protections related to sexual orientation or gender identity. In Ohio, many of these claims are pursued under federal protections through Title VII and related statutes.
If you believe your termination was discriminatory, you may file a charge with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). A wrongful termination attorney in Ohio can guide you through this process and help protect your rights.
Retaliation
Employers are also barred from retaliating against employees for engaging in protected activities, such as:
- Taking medical leave under federal law.
- Filing a wage, safety, or discrimination complaint.
- Participating in an investigation of workplace violations.
- Reporting employer misconduct.
Under Ohio’s Whistleblower Protection Laws, workers cannot be fired for reporting violations of laws, ordinances, or regulations. However, protection does not extend to reports made in bad faith or knowingly false claims.
Employees are also legally protected from being fired for serving on a jury, voting, completing military service, or reporting workplace safety or environmental violations.
What To Do If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated in Ohio
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, you may be entitled to remedies such as back pay, reinstatement, and compensation for damages. Each state defines wrongful termination differently, so it is critical to understand your rights under Ohio law.
In 2021, Ohio changed its filing deadlines for discrimination claims. Workers must file a claim with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) within two years of the alleged discrimination.
Before 2021, timelines varied widely, from 180 days to six years depending on the claim. Federal claims, however, must typically be filed within 180 days of the violation.
Step One: Gather Evidence
Documentation is essential to any claim. Save termination letters, performance reviews, emails, or notes of conversations with supervisors. If you still have access to your office or work email, take the opportunity to collect relevant materials—but always remain mindful of confidentiality rules and employment agreements.
Step Two: Find an Attorney
Employment law is complex and constantly changing. A knowledgeable Ohio wrongful termination attorney can evaluate your case, ensure deadlines are met, and advise you on the strongest way forward. Having an attorney also provides protection against employer retaliation during the legal process.
Step Three: File a Complaint
If you have not yet consulted an attorney, the EEOC provides an online self-assessment tool to help you decide whether to file. An attorney can prepare your complaint, notify your employer, and guide you through the resolution process.
Ohio law requires that workers file discrimination claims first with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) before pursuing a lawsuit. For federal claims, Ohio employees fall under the jurisdiction of the EEOC Indianapolis District Office, with an area office conveniently located in Cincinnati.
Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Ohio
Facing wrongful termination can feel overwhelming, particularly when deadlines are short and the law is complex. Speaking to an experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, determine whether your claim is valid, and build a strong case. For many workers, simply having an advocate on their side provides both guidance and relief.
Are you ready to take the first step toward justice? We can also connect you with attorneys across state lines if necessary.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced wrongful termination lawyer in Ohio.
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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