Minnesota is an at-will employment state, which means that employees can be fired from their positions whether the employer has cause to do so or not. However, employers are still prevented from terminating employees for certain reasons, like discrimination. If you lost your job unjustly, a wrongful termination attorney in Minnesota may be able to help.
At Madia Law, we have a long history of helping employees fight back against wrongful termination and other workplace misconduct. Contact us today by phone or through our website to learn more about how a Minnesota employment lawyer can help through a free case evaluation.
What Constitutes a Wrongful Termination?
Although employers in Minnesota can generally let their employees go for a variety of reasons or without any reasons, there are still some restrictions that apply. Some of the most common examples of wrongful terminations include:
- Discrimination-based firings
- Retaliation against an employee who reported discrimination
- Firing employees for taking legitimate medical leave
- Terminating employees for filing workers’ comp claims
- Retaliation against whistleblowers
Discrimination-Based Firings
Workplace discrimination is a common problem throughout the country. Many people face discrimination in the hiring process, during employment, and when being let go. Unfortunately, proving discrimination can sometimes be challenging. Since Minnesota employers can fire employees without cause, it can be difficult to prove that discrimination played a role.
However, an experienced wrongful termination lawyer in Minnesota can help identify a pattern of discrimination by your employer to show that your firing was likely discrimination-based.
Retaliation for Reporting Discrimination
It is also unlawful for an employer to fire an employee for reporting workplace discrimination. If you were terminated from your position after reporting discrimination to a supervisor, human resources, or an outside agency, you may have a retaliation claim.
An experienced attorney can help you fight back and recover the full value of your case.
Termination for Using Medical Leave
Your employer is not allowed to fire you for legitimate use of medical leave. The most common forms of medical leave termination include firing employees during maternity leave or if they are dealing with a serious injury or illness that prevents them from working for an extended period of time.
If you believe your termination was in response to your taking medical leave, you may be entitled to compensation.
Termination for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Employers are also prevented from firing workers for filing workers’ comp claims. If you were injured while on the job, you are entitled to workers’ compensation and should not have to worry about retaliation from your employer for filing a claim.
Retaliation Against Whistleblowers
Whistleblowers are also protected from retaliation from their employers. Blowing the whistle on misconduct and illegal activity by an employer can be challenging enough without having to worry about your employment status. Protections exist to encourage employees who witness criminal activity to come forward.
For a legal consultation with a wrongful termination lawyer serving Minnesota, call 612-349-2729
Additional Protections May Exist If You Have an Employment Contract
While Minnesota is an at-will employment state, some workers have employment contracts with their employers. If you have an employment contract, you may have additional protections against termination.
Typically, these contracts will state acceptable reasons for terminating an employment contract, as well as details like the length of time an employee has to give notice of intent to quit and the amount of time an employer has to inform an employee of the termination of their employment contract.
If you believe you were fired in violation of an employment contract, an experienced lawyer can review your contract to determine if your employer violated the terms. If a violation occurred, your attorney will work to get you a favorable case result either by taking your case to court or negotiating a settlement.
Minnesota Wrongful Termination Lawyer Near Me 612-349-2729
An Experienced Minnesota Wrongful Termination Attorney Can Ensure Your Case Gets Filed on Time
When pursuing compensation through following a wrongful termination, it’s critical that you act quickly. If you are pursuing damages through a lawsuit or a claim with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, you will only have one year to file the required paperwork.
Meanwhile, if you plan to bring a claim under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, or the Americans with Disabilities Act, you must file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 300 days of getting fired.
However, it is critical to understand that an exception may apply to your case that alters the amount of time you have to take legal action. Hiring an experienced attorney as soon as possible after losing your job is the best way to ensure that you are aware of the deadline that applies to your case. Your attorney will prepare and file all the necessary paperwork on time.
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Get Help from an Experienced Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Minnesota Today
When pursuing compensation from an employer who wrongfully terminated your employment, the best thing you can do for your case is to secure the services of an experienced wrongful termination attorney in Minnesota. At Madia Law, we have a long history of helping protect the rights of employees throughout the state.
We have a track record in court cases that speaks for itself, and we are always prepared and willing to take a case to trial. Contact us today by giving us a call or completing our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our team.
Call 612-349-2729 or complete a Case Evaluation form
