Losing your job is stressful enough, but being fired for the wrong reasons can make the situation feel ten times worse. Wrongful termination is more common than most people realize, and it often leaves employees confused about their rights. The reality is, employers cannot fire you for just any reason, especially if that reason violates the law or your employment contract. For example, if you were fired for an injury at work, speak with a Phoenix workers comp lawyer because losing your job is not legal. If you are wondering whether your recent dismissal was fair or not, here are five signs you might have been wrongfully terminated.
- You Were Fired After Reporting Unsafe Work Conditions
One of the biggest red flags of wrongful termination is being fired after speaking up about safety violations or illegal practices at work. Federal and state laws protect whistleblowers from retaliation, including termination. For example, if you reported a malfunctioning machine that could injure workers, or you complained about toxic chemicals not being handled properly, your employer cannot legally fire you in response. If they do, you may have a wrongful termination case on your hands.
- You Experienced Discrimination in the Termination Process
It is illegal for employers to fire someone based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. Unfortunately, this type of discrimination still happens in many workplaces, often disguised as a “performance issue” or “company restructuring.” If you notice that only older employees are being let go, or women are being terminated while men in similar roles stay on, it could point to discrimination. Even subtle biases can lead to wrongful firing, so if you believe your termination was tied to who you are rather than how you work, it is important to investigate further.
- Your Employer Violated Your Contract or Company Policy
Many jobs come with contracts or employee handbooks that outline specific rules regarding termination. For example, some agreements stipulate that you can only be terminated for just cause, such as misconduct or repeated violations of company policies. If your employer fired you without following these rules, they could be in breach of contract. Maybe you were promised progressive discipline but were suddenly let go without warning. Or perhaps the company skipped required steps, such as formal reviews or probationary periods. These kinds of oversights could make your termination unlawful.
- You Were Let Go After Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Getting injured at work is tough, but losing your job immediately after reporting the injury is even worse. Employers sometimes attempt to avoid paying workers’ compensation benefits by firing injured employees or treating them unfairly after they have filed a claim. This is illegal. You have the right to file for workers’ comp without fear of losing your job. If you were injured at work, reported the injury, and then suddenly found yourself unemployed, you may have been wrongfully terminated in retaliation for exercising your legal rights.
- You Were Fired for Taking Protected Leave
The law provides employees with the right to take certain types of leave without risking their job. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), for instance, allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave for medical reasons or to care for a family member. Some states offer even more protections for parental leave, sick leave, or time off for jury duty. If you took a protected leave of absence and were fired because of it, your employer may have violated your rights. Even if they claim it was for a “different reason,” the timing of your termination can raise serious questions.
Final Thoughts
Wrongful termination is not just unfair—it can be financially and emotionally devastating. If any of these signs sound familiar, do not ignore them or assume you have no recourse. The law is on your side, but proving wrongful termination can be complex and requires solid legal guidance. An experienced workers’ compensation and employment lawyer can help you understand your options, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. If you think you were fired illegally, do not wait. Contact a Phoenix workers comp lawyer today and protect your rights.
