Wrongful Termination Attorneys In Alabama and Georgia
Wrongful Termination
If you were fired and something doesn’t feel right, you may have experienced wrongful termination. Even in at-will states like Alabama and Georgia, employers can’t fire someone for illegal reasons: like discrimination, retaliation, or breaking an employment contract.
Understanding At-Will Employment—and Its Limits
Alabama and Georgia follow “at-will” employment laws, meaning employers can terminate workers at any time, for almost any reason—or none at all. But there are clear limits to this. Your employer cannot legally fire you for:
- Discrimination based on protected traits like race, age, or gender
- Reporting harassment, unsafe conditions, or illegal activity
- Taking protected leave, like jury duty or family medical leave
- Violating the terms of a written or implied employment contract
If any of these apply, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
Discriminatory Firing is Against Federal Law
Federal laws make it illegal for an employer to fire someone because of their:
- Race or ethnicity
- Gender or sexual orientation
- National origin
- Religion
- Disability
- Pregnancy status
- Age (40 and over)
Example scenarios:
- You’re fired shortly after announcing your pregnancy.
- You’re over 40 and let go while younger coworkers with similar performance remain.
- You report racial bias and face disciplinary action or termination.
If the reason behind your termination ties back to any of these categories, it may be more than unfair—it may be illegal.
Retaliatory Termination After Reporting Misconduct
It’s illegal for employers to fire you just because you spoke up. This includes situations where you:
- Filed a complaint for harassment or discrimination
- Reported unsafe working conditions
- Participated in an internal or external investigation
- Filed a workers’ compensation claim
- Reported illegal activity (also known as whistleblowing)
These actions are protected under federal law. If you were punished for doing the right thing, you may have a strong legal claim.
Fired for Taking Protected Time Off?
You cannot be fired for taking legally protected time off work. This includes:
- Military Leave: Up to five years of leave for service, with job protection.
- Jury Duty: Full-time employees must be paid while serving.
- Voting Leave: Up to one unpaid hour off to vote (if needed).
- Family & Medical Leave (FMLA): Up to 12 weeks unpaid leave to care for yourself or a family member.
If your job was terminated while on or after taking approved leave, that could be a violation of federal employment law.
Wrongful Termination Due to Breach of Contract
At-will employment doesn’t apply if you’re covered by a contract. If you were fired in violation of a:
- Written contract (such as a union agreement or employment letter)
- Implied agreement (such as verbal assurances or promises)
- —then you may have a breach-of-contract case.
Even verbal agreements may be enforceable with the right documentation and witness support.
What You May Be Entitled To
If you were wrongfully terminated, legal remedies may include:
- Back pay and lost wages
- Reinstatement to your previous job
- Compensatory damages for emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in cases of egregious employer behavior)
- Payment of your legal fees
Think You’ve Been
Wrongfully Terminated?
If your firing feels unfair, it’s worth talking to someone who knows the law. Reach out for a consultation to learn your options and take the next step toward justice.
