In most cases, employment is at will, meaning an employer can fire or terminate an employee without having to establish just cause or a reason for doing so. Individuals working under collective bargaining agreements (union members) and other contracts have grounds for employee termination spelled out in their contracts.
But even an at-will employee cannot be legally fired for reasons that amount to unlawful discrimination as defined by federal or state laws. Civil rights laws create protected classes of employees for cases of employment discrimination and establish other reasons for termination of employment that constitute wrongful firing. An employer who fires a worker in violation of an existing contract or in violation of civil rights law may be sued for lost wages and other damages.
Our wrongful termination lawyer, at Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, pursues wrongful termination claims on behalf of workers on Long Island. If you believe you have been unlawfully fired, we want to hear your side of the story. We want to help you stand up to your employer or others who have violated your rights, and obtain appropriate compensation for the injustice you have suffered.
To find out more about your rights, call us now or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation and claim evaluation.
Protections Against Wrongful Employment Termination
Workers in New York are protected in their employment by a variety of laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act at the federal level, and various state laws, including the New York State Human Rights Law. These laws create protected classes of individuals under discrimination laws, as well as specifically prohibiting practices regarding termination of employment.
In general, firing decisions are unlawful under federal or New York state law if they are based on an individual’s:
- Race
- Color
- Religion or creed
- Sex (gender)
- Sexual orientation
- Pregnancy
- National origin
- Age (40 or older)
- Disability
- Genetic information / characteristics
- Military status
- Domestic violence victim status
In addition, it is unlawful to fire a worker:
- In violation of a valid contract
- For filing a workers’ compensation claim
- For filing or otherwise participating in a complaint under any federal or state civil rights law
- As a means to avoid paying a bonus, benefits or other compensation the employee has already earned
- As a means of intimidating other employees
Contact a Wrongful Termination Lawyer at Cohen & Jaffe
If you believe you have been fired from a job unjustly on Long Island, a wrongful termination lawyer at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP is here to help you. You may be protected from unlawful termination by civil rights laws or other state statutes or federal regulations. Our attorneys can see to it that your rights are protected and that you are compensated if you have been treated illegally.
Call us or fill out our online contact form to talk to one of an employment law attorney with Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP. We will respond to you immediately and aggressively pursue justice for you.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Long Island, call 516-358-6900
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information and may not be applicable in your jurisdiction.Office Information
Address Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP2001 Marcus Ave W295 New Hyde Park, NY 11042, USA
Phone: 516-358-6900
