Wrongful Termination in Connecticut
What Is Wrongful Termination?
While an employer does have discretion over the hiring and firing of employees, there are certain circumstances where a worker can file for wrongful termination. Termination becomes wrongful when it violates Connecticut law, federal law, or an employment agreement. Being fired from a job is never easy. A dedicated wrongful termination lawyer understands your rights as an employee and will fight to protect them.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, there are exceptions to at-will employment in Connecticut. Even in the absence of a contract. For example, your employer cannot fire you for reasons that violate public policy. As well, Connecticut recognizes implied contracts, as well as the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
Types Of Wrongful Termination
In Connecticut, there are many different instances where wrongful termination can take place. In some cases, an employer is ignorant of labor laws and may not even realize they have erred. This is why big corporations rely on human resources experts. You should always turn to an attorney if you suspect wrongful termination. In the following paragraphs are some of the red flags that you should watch out for.
Limitations of At-Will Employment
Because one of the most common forms of employment is at-will, there are limitations to this. At-will employment doesn’t allow an employer to fire a person for any discriminatory reason. Connecticut state, federal, or local laws prohibit these reasons.
Connecticut is not a right-to-work state. This means that employers and unions can enter into a collective agreement that requires a worker to join a union as a condition of employment. However, public employers in Connecticut cannot require employees to pay union fees as a condition of employment. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that public employees have a First Amendment right to decide for themselves whether or not to pay a union.
An employer also can’t fire an employee as a form of retaliation for reporting any illegal activities within the company. Were you fired for any of these reasons? If so, you may be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit against your employer.
Discrimination
Discrimination is one of the most common forms of wrongful termination. When an employee is fired because of their race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, pregnancy, age, or disability, it violates established laws meant to protect specific personal characteristics. There are also some states that prohibit employers from discriminating based on the gender identity or the sexual orientation of their employees.
If you believe that you have been penalized or fired in Connecticut for one of these discriminatory reasons listed above, you may be able to file a claim with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. An experienced Connecticut attorney can walk you through the process to help ensure the best possible outcome.
Retaliation
Your employer can’t fire you for certain protected activities. For example, your employer can’t fire you for taking medical leave, or for participating in an investigation of job violations and wage violations. Additionally, filing a complaint with the EEOC, or informing your employer about discrimination or harassment, are not fireable offenses.
According to Connecticut’s Attorney General Office, there is a specific Connecticut statute that protects public employees against retaliation for reporting unlawful behavior. A public-sector whistleblower must report any complaints to the Auditors of Public Accounts.
The initial legal protection for whistleblowers in private employment came through the courts with the seminal 1980 Sheets v Teddy’s Frosted Foods, Inc. case. There is now a Connecticut law that protects private employees from retaliation for reporting unlawful behavior to a public agency. This law authorizes the employee to bring a civil lawsuit. However, the statute of limitation is short, at only 90 days.
There are some states that also prevent employee termination for taking time off to vote, perform jury duties, or serve in the military. You also have some protection if your employer has fired you for reporting a violation of safety laws or environmental regulations.
What To Do If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated in Connecticut
Have you been wrongfully terminated? You may be entitled to compensatory damages, reinstatement, back pay, and other forms of relief. However, the exact definition of wrongful termination will depend on where you live. To find out, contact a dedicated and qualified wrongful termination lawyer. Discuss your circumstances and the Connecticut laws that your employer has to follow in your area.
Remember that there are usually time constraints on how long you can wait to file your claim, so don’t delay. This could cause evidence to slip through your fingers or you may miss the deadline altogether. You want a favorable outcome and so will your lawyer, so try to approach your case as proactively as possible, even before you are certain you have one.
According to Connecticut’s Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), you will generally file a complaint with the CHRO within 300 days of the date of the act of discrimination. To preserve your claim under federal law, you must file with the EEOC (or cross-file with the CHRO) within 180 days from the date the discrimination took place.
Step One: Gather Evidence
It’s important to start gathering all the evidence you can, no matter how small. Ideally, you had reason to suspect that your employer might terminate you wrongfully and started the process some time before. If you need to return to the office to clear out your desk or still have access to the work email, use the opportunity wisely. However, be mindful of any employment agreements or confidentiality issues.
Step Two: Find an Attorney
Hiring an experienced Connecticut wrongful termination lawyer will help you take the first steps so that you make a strong case to get the outcome you seek. Connecticut employment laws are intricate and are constantly changing. Therefore, you should always work with an attorney who focuses on this specific area.
Step Three: File a Complaint
If you have not yet had your case reviewed by an attorney, the EEOC built a self-evaluation tool to help you decide if filing a claim with them is an appropriate way to handle your case. An attorney simplifies this part of the process by helping you to write the complaint. You serve your employer notice. Then, the resolution process starts there. Note that not all cases make it to a courtroom as some employers prefer to settle.
In Connecticut, you must file a discrimination claim with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO). This agency has a work-sharing agreement with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This means that filing a claim with both agencies is unnecessary if you request that CHRO cross-files the claim with the EEOC. The CHRO has two Regional Offices serving the state, with locations in Hartford and Norwich.
Why You Should Hire A Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Filing a wrongful termination lawsuit in Connecticut can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve been treated unfairly by your employer. Speaking to an experienced lawyer can help you to understand what legal rights you have as a victim and if your case is applicable for wrongful termination. For some people, the opportunity to have soemeone listen helps to ease the burden they’ve been carrying.
We understand that finding the right attorney can be hard. This is why we created our service to connect clients in need with experienced Connecticut attorneys. To match with the right lawyer, you simply provide your location, category, and some other additional information. We then send you your options as soon as they are available.
Our company charges no fees to connect you with the legal services you need. Some Connecticut attorneys or practice areas may require legal fees upfront, but there are many that do not. Some professionals may not charge a single penny at all until they win your case.
Are you ready to find a qualified Connecticut attorney who can help you fight for your job or get justice for the wrongful termination you suffered? We can even help you connect with an attorney across Connecticut state lines.
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