Losing a job can be devastating, and it’s natural to want to put it behind you and move on. But before you jump into a new job search, it’s important to remember you have rights as an employee. Not every company plays fair, and while most workplaces do their best to stay professional, some don’t.
There are still places where discrimination, toxic behavior, or retaliation happen more than they should, and sometimes these issues lead to people losing their jobs unfairly. Laws are in place to protect employees from being fired for reasons that have nothing to do with their work and there are wrongful termination attorneys ready to help. In this article, we will go over several signs to watch out for.
1 – You’re in a protected class
Protected characteristics are personal traits that the law says can’t be used against you at work. These include things like your race, gender, age, religion, or a disability. Employers aren’t allowed to treat you unfairly because of these traits, including when it comes to letting someone go.
For example, if you’re fired shortly after you report a boss making offensive comments about your race or religion, and you’ve been doing your job well, it might mean your complaint is the real reason you were let go. Or, if you’ve been facing negative comments or behavior about your age or gender and are suddenly dismissed without a solid reason, that’s another possible warning sign.
2 – Retaliation for complaints or whistleblowing
If you got fired soon after reporting harassment, unsafe work conditions, or any other serious issue, it might be more than just bad timing. In fact, it could be retaliation. Retaliation is when your employer lets you go or punishes you because you spoke up about something wrong at work.
Laws known as whistleblower protections are there to keep you safe from being fired or punished for reporting things like discrimination, safety hazards, or illegal actions. These laws mean you have the right to speak up without worrying about losing your job. So, if you got let go shortly after raising a complaint, it’s worth considering if it’s connected. Recognizing this possibility can help if you need to take action to protect your rights.
3 – Termination after taking medical leave
If you’re suddenly fired after taking time off for medical or family reasons, it might be against the law. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives you the right to take unpaid leave for certain family and medical situations, like recovering from a serious illness or caring for a family member. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also protects you from being fired due to a disability, as long as you can perform your job with reasonable accommodations.
Under these protections, employers can’t fire you simply because you took approved time off for medical or family reasons, nor can they let you go because of a disability, as long as you’re still able to do the job.