Serving New Hampshire Since 1908
Wrongful Termination
Wrongful Termination Attorneys in New Hampshire
Protecting Your Rights as a Worker
Regardless of the circumstances, people who are fired from their job often feel that their termination was unfair and unjust. But in the United States, employers can fire their workers for almost any reason — or no reason at all. In many cases, employers are within the law when terminating an employee, even if the worker feels that they did not deserve to be fired.
Although many reasons for termination are considered lawful, there are reasons that are explicitly prohibited under the law. Defined as “wrongful termination,” these instances involve firings reasons that violate the law or public policy. In these cases, terminated employees can bring a lawsuit against their employer for damages, and potentially recover compensation for losses.
At Upton & Hatfield, LLP, our wrongful termination lawyers in New Hampshire can represent you if you have been fired for an unlawful reason. Our firm has been in business for over 100 years; we are prepared to apply our decades of experience to help you and protect your rights.
When starting a new job, you may notice language in your onboarding paperwork that describes your employment as “at-will.” Essentially, at-will employment means a worker can be fired at any time, and for any reason — as long as no laws or public policy are violated. Employers do not have to provide the terminated employee or anyone else with a reason for the firing.
Although a reason for firing may not be directly expressed, it can often be inferred. When a reason for termination appears to be against the law, the worker could have a wrongful termination case.
What is Considered as “Wrongful Termination”?
The termination of an employee is considered as “wrongful” if the reason for termination was based on reasons that are unlawful or violate public policy. At-will employment permits the termination of employees for many different reasons, but does prohibit firings if labor laws or public policy are violated.
The termination of an employee may be considered wrongful if it is based on:
Discrimination — An employer may terminate a worker based on the worker’s race, religion, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other facet of their identity. Terminating an employee for this reason is discrimination, and is illegal.
Contract violations — The termination of an employee may be a violation of an agreement between the worker and their employer.
Retaliation — An employee may be fired as retaliation for reporting injustices, filing a workers’ compensation claim, protesting, or other reasons. As long as the employee’s actions are justified, firing them as a response is unlawful.
Other employment law violations — There are many other termination reasons that can be considered wrongful. For example, terminations that violate workers’ compensation laws, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), or the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) would be considered wrongful.
Whistleblower Cases
In cases of wrongful termination in which retaliation is involved, the terminated employee may be considered a “whistleblower.” Whistleblower cases involve instances in which a worker is fired for exposing their employer’s unlawful or unjust actions. For example, a worker may report their employer for committing fraud or producing dangerous products. If the worker is fired in response to their reports, a wrongful termination case would be appropriate.
Do I Need a Wrongful Termination Lawyer?
You may need to hire a New Hampshire wrongful termination lawyer if you have been fired from a job and believe the reason for your termination was unlawful. Our legal team can advise you on your rights as a worker, and can help you understand the violations that have been committed. We will represent you in your case against your employer and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Case
Contact our firm if you have been fired for an unjust reason and are interested in filing a case. We will provide guidance throughout the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
Complete our contact form or call (603) 634-9560 for a consultation with our New Hampshire wrongful termination attorneys.
Understanding Wrongful Termination in Manchester, NH
Living and working in Manchester, NH, offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As the largest city in New Hampshire, Manchester is home to a diverse workforce and a variety of industries. However, with this diversity comes the unfortunate reality of unlawful termination. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, it's crucial to understand your rights and the resources available to you locally.
Manchester residents can turn to local government entities such as the New Hampshire Department of Labor and the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights for guidance and support. These organizations are dedicated to ensuring that workers' rights are upheld and that any instances of unlawful termination are addressed promptly.
One common pain point for employees in Manchester is the fear of retaliation for reporting workplace injustices. Whether it's filing a workers' compensation claim or exposing unethical practices, the risk of being fired in retaliation is a significant concern. Our legal team understands these local challenges and is here to help you navigate the complexities of wrongful termination cases.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I Be Fired for Reporting Illegal Activities or Safety Violations at Work?
No, you cannot be legally fired for reporting illegal activities, safety violations, or other injustices at work. Employees who report such issues are often referred to as whistleblowers and are protected under various laws. If you are terminated in retaliation for making such reports, this could be grounds for a wrongful termination case. Get in touch with our firm to learn more.
Are There Specific Laws That Protect Against Wrongful Termination?
Yes, there are specific laws that protect employees from wrongful termination, including federal laws like the Civil Rights Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as well as state-specific laws. Violations of these laws can constitute wrongful termination.
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