Wrongful Termination in New Mexico

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 New Mexico 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.

Although New Mexico follows the doctrine of at-will employment, there are some exceptions. Both New Mexico laws and federal laws prohibit discriminatory employment practices. In addition, your employer cannot terminate you in a way that breaches your employment contract or collective bargaining agreement. Furthermore, firing someone for taking time off for jury duty or military service is also a violation of public policy.

Types Of Wrongful Termination

In New Mexico, 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 you have been wrongfully terminated. 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. New Mexico state, federal, or local laws prohibit these reasons.

Federal laws prohibit employers in all states from requiring union membership. However, some states have gone further with this prohibition, by passing Right to Work laws. New Mexico does not have this type of legislation. In fact, a 2019 law prevents local Right to Work laws within the state. This means that your New Mexico employer can require you to pay union fees or dues as a condition of employment.

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 New Mexico  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 New Mexico 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. 

New Mexico’s Whistleblower Protection Act ensures that public employees cannot lose their jobs for reporting violations by their employer. This applies to reports of violating rules and laws, as well as waste or misuse of public resources. In addition, no employer, public or private, can retaliate against an employee for reporting safety concerns, dicrimination, or fraud.

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 New Mexico

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 New Mexico 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.

If you are filing a discrimination claim on the basis of the New Mexico Human Rights Act, you must do so within 300 days of the discriminatory action. However, if you are filing a federal claim on the basis of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, you must do so within 180 days.

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 New Mexico wrongful termination lawyer will help you take the first steps so that you make a strong case to get the outcome you seek. New Mexico 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.

You can file New Mexico discrimination claims with the state’s  Human Rights Bureau. You can also file a federal EEOC claim instead of or in addition to your state claim. New Mexico is part of the Phoenix District of the EEOC, but there is an area office in Albuquerque.

Why You Should Hire A Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Filing a wrongful termination lawsuit in New Mexico 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 finally be heard also 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!