Wrongful Termination in Salt Lake City, UT

What Is Wrongful Termination?

Any employer has discretion over the hiring and firing of employees. Still, there are certain circumstances where a worker can file for wrongful termination. Termination becomes wrongful when it violates Utah 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.

Salt Lake City and the rest of Utah follow the at-will employment doctrine. However, there may still be grounds for a wrongful dismissal charge if there is an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement in place. As well, Utah law makes discriminatory terminations illegal. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Utah also recognizes the public policy, and implied contract exceptions to at-will employment.

Types Of Wrongful Termination

In Salt Lake City, 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. State, federal, or local Salt Lake City laws prohibit these reasons.

Utah has Right-to-Work laws in place. This means that a Salt Lake City employee can refuse to pay union dues. Consequently, a Salt Lake City employer cannot legally fire, or refuse to hire, a worker who does so.

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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, UT 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. 

The Utah Occupational Safety and Health Act allows an employee in Salt Lake City to file a complaint of hazard at work without fear of retaliation from the employer. The Act also protects employees who testify in any relevant proceeding. The Whistleblower Division of the Utah Occupational Safety and Health is responsible for investigating these discriminatory acts in Salt Lake City.

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 Salt Lake City, Utah

Are you suffering form wrongful termination ? 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 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.

The Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division (UALD) recommends Salt Lake City employees file an employment discrimination complaint as soon as possible. However, you must file with the UALD within 180 days of the discriminatory act. Additionally, you may have up to 300 days to file a federal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

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 Salt Lake City, UT wrongful termination lawyer will help you take the first steps so that you make a strong case to get the outcome you seek. Salt Lake City 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.

A Salt Lake City employee has the right to file a discrimination complaint with the Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division (UALD). The UALD will investigate your case and also provide information about their voluntary mediation program. The UALD will generally cross-file a case with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You may also have the option of filing directly with the Phoenix District Office of the EEOC. Unfortunately, the EEOC does not have a field office in Utah.

Why You Should Hire A Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah

Filing a wrongful termination lawsuit in Salt Lake City, Utah 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 someone 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 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City attorney who can help you fight for your job or get justice for the wrongful termination you suffered?

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

How It All Works

Call us or answer the questions on this site. Your category, location, and additional information will help us connect you to a legal professional and we’ll send you the results instantly.

Which Areas of Law?

We have attorneys in over 20 legal categories to choose from.

How Much Does This Cost?

We don’t charge you to be connected. Some legal categories require upfront fees while others do not. The legal professional will determine this with you before you commit to anything.