For employers, terminating a worker can be a delicate process to navigate. In this case, having the insight of the knowledgeable legal team at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. is often key to prevent unlawful terminations from occurring. Whether you need help with corporate law topics or have a question regarding whether your conduct towards a worker is legally sound, this firm pledges to support you and other Middletown, NY, clients. The following are just three of the many important concepts they say an employer must know when it comes to unlawful terminations.

Your Guide to Unlawful Terminations

1. Firing for Discriminatory Reasons Is Not Permitted

Certain conditions are considered protected when it comes to firing someone. As a result, an employer is not permitted to fire a worker because of their ethnicity, religious beliefs, nation of origin, sex/sexual orientation, disability, or age. While federal discrimination laws apply to every state, some states enact even harsher laws that can include much broader categories.

2. Unlawful Termination Is Not Always Based on Discrimination

Along with discrimination, there are many other reasons why an employee might file a suit. For instance, even in those states with at-will employment laws (which stipulate an employer is free to fire a worker without cause), a business owner can still violate a contract of employment. A worker might also file suit if they feel the firing was based on retaliation, such as for filing a complaint against an employer due to unsafe practices.  

3. Employee Handbooks Can Also Be Considered

Even if your workplace is in an at-will state, failure to follow the expressly stated employee handbook can also result in a claim of unlawful termination. If there are proper procedures expressed for terminations or even employee reprisals, they must be followed to the letter to prevent a claim from being filed.

If you’re seeking a firm in Middletown with an expansive understanding of employment law and unlawful terminations, look no further than the skilled legal team at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. Get answers to these and many other crucial questions by using the convenient online contact form. You can also call (845) 343-3000 to schedule a consultation with a skilled and dedicated lawyer.