Wrongful Termination in New Hampshire
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Employers in New Hampshire have broad authority when it comes to hiring and firing, but that authority is not unlimited. A termination becomes wrongful when it violates state law, federal law, or an employment agreement.
Losing a job under such circumstances can be overwhelming, but an experienced wrongful termination lawyer in New Hampshire can help you understand your rights and options.
According to the New Hampshire Municipal Association, the state follows the doctrine of employment at-will. This means that unless you have an employment contract or a collective bargaining agreement, either you or your employer may end the employment relationship at any time and for almost any reason.
However, New Hampshire courts recognize important exceptions, including discrimination, violations of public policy, breaches of implied contracts, and violations of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
Types of Wrongful Termination in New Hampshire
Wrongful termination can occur in multiple ways. Sometimes, it is the result of deliberate misconduct by an employer; other times, it stems from lack of awareness of employment laws.
Larger companies often rely on HR professionals to avoid missteps, but not all employers have such safeguards. If you believe you’ve been treated unlawfully, knowing the common warning signs of wrongful termination can help you decide whether to seek legal counsel.
Limitations of At-Will Employment
While at-will employment provides flexibility for both employers and employees, there are critical exceptions. Employers cannot terminate workers for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons. Federal, state, and local laws strictly prohibit such actions.
Employers also cannot terminate employees for reporting unlawful activities, participating in investigations, or otherwise exercising protected rights. If you were dismissed for any of these reasons, you may have a valid wrongful termination claim in New Hampshire.
Discrimination
Discrimination remains one of the most frequent grounds for wrongful termination lawsuits. In New Hampshire, it is illegal to fire an employee because of:
- Race or color
- Religion
- Sex or pregnancy
- National origin or ethnicity
- Age
- Disability
Federal protections also extend to sexual orientation and gender identity, making such forms of discrimination unlawful. If you believe your termination was motivated by one of these factors, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights (CHR). A knowledgeable New Hampshire wrongful termination lawyer can assist with this process.
Retaliation
Employers are also prohibited from firing workers for engaging in certain protected activities, such as:
- Taking medical or family leave.
- Reporting wage violations or unsafe working conditions.
- Filing a discrimination or harassment complaint.
- Participating in an EEOC investigation.
The New Hampshire Whistleblowers’ Protection Act bars employers from retaliating against employees who report unlawful activity or refuse to participate in it. Retaliation can take many forms, including harassment, intimidation, threats, demotion, or discharge. Victims have up to three years from the date of the violation to bring a civil lawsuit under the Act.
Employees are also safeguarded from termination for fulfilling civic duties such as voting, jury service, or military obligations.
What To Do If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated in New Hampshire
If you have been wrongfully terminated, you may be entitled to compensation, reinstatement, back pay, or other remedies. Because the exact definition of wrongful termination varies by jurisdiction, speaking with a qualified New Hampshire attorney is essential to understanding your options.
Deadlines for filing are strict. The New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights (CHR) requires discrimination complaints to be filed within 180 days of the alleged act. In some circumstances, this deadline may extend to 300 days. Acting quickly is critical to preserve your rights and strengthen your case.
Step One: Gather Evidence
Begin collecting documentation immediately. Save copies of emails, HR communications, performance evaluations, and any relevant statements. If you still have access to your work email or documents when leaving your job, use the opportunity wisely but respect confidentiality policies and employment agreements.
Step Two: Find an Attorney
A wrongful termination lawyer in New Hampshire can help you evaluate your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process. Employment law is complex, and having an attorney who understands state-specific statutes can make the difference in achieving a favorable outcome.
Step Three: File a Complaint
If you have not yet consulted an attorney, the EEOC offers a self-assessment tool to determine whether filing a claim may be appropriate. However, working with an attorney helps ensure your complaint is properly drafted and served.
To file in New Hampshire, begin by submitting an Employment Discrimination Intake Questionnaire with the CHR. There is no fee to file. For federal claims, the EEOC Boston Area Office handles complaints from New Hampshire, operating under the New York District Office.
Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in New Hampshire
Pursuing a wrongful termination claim can be stressful, especially when you’ve already been treated unfairly by your employer. Speaking with an attorney ensures you understand your rights, helps determine whether your case qualifies, and provides support during the process.
Are you ready to take the next step? We can connect you with a New Hampshire attorney who will fight for your rights and help you seek the justice you deserve. We can also connect you with attorneys across state lines if your case involves multi-state issues.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to speak with a wrongful termination lawyer in New Hampshire.
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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