Wrongful Termination in Utah
Some employees make the mistake of assuming that their employer has the right to fire them for any reason. While Utah’s “at-will” employment status gives employers a great deal of freedom to terminate employees, there are some situations in which an employee can take legal action against a wrongful termination after being fired.
It is important to be able to recognize wrongful termination in Utah if you are an employee in the state. Employees can stand up for their rights by hiring a Utah employment lawyer to help them fight wrongful termination and seek compensation for the resulting damages.
Understanding Protected Characteristics That Impact Employment Termination in Utah
Pinpointing the reason why you were fired is essential in demonstrating that you experienced a wrongful termination in Utah. There are many reasons for termination that are illegal in the state. The following is a list of some of the most critical protected characteristics regarding employment law in Utah. An employer cannot terminate an employee for any and not limited to these reasons.
- Sexual preference
- Racial background
- Gender and/or pregnancy
- Age
- Religious affiliation
- Country of birth
- Disabilities
- Having HIV or AIDS
If you can show that your employer specifically fired you for any of the reasons listed above, this is a wrongful termination, and you can seek compensation for the resulting damages.
Additional Scenarios That Could Be Considered Wrongful Termination
The protected characteristics listed above are not the only types of termination that can be considered wrongful. Termination can also be considered wrongful if it violates certain terms of the original employment contract.
For example, an employer cannot fire an employee if the employee was hired under a contract that promised job security. In this case, the employment of the individual who was hired is not “at-will” employment. Firing such an employee can constitute a breach of contract and therefore would give the employee the right to file a wrongful termination claim.
Another additional scenario to consider is employment termination which occurs because the employer disapproves of an employee’s legally protected activities. For example, an employer cannot fire an employee for participating in civic activities such as jury duty or for reporting illegal activities on the employer’s part.
Knowing Your Rights
If you have been subjected to wrongful termination, you must protect your rights and the rights of employees everywhere by pursuing the case legally. Numerous laws at both the state and federal levels have been passed to protect employee rights. These include the Utah Anti-discrimination Act of 1965 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Those who succeed in proving that they were the victim of wrongful termination can be compensated for lost wages and legal fees. Employees can also be awarded additional compensation through punitive damages that the employer must pay.
Hiring a Utah Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Navigating the legal complexities of employment law in Utah is challenging and requires knowledge in this unique area of law. Hire a Provo attorney today to get started with your wrongful termination case.
Howard, Lewis & Petersen, P.C. is a law firm in Provo in employment law. Our lawyers will answer your questions about your termination and help you through the process of filing a lawsuit against your employer.
As part of filing your wrongful termination lawsuit, our lawyers will help you compile key details about your interactions with your employer that prove wrongful termination. We will let you know what documents you need to gather to support your case. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you will enjoy the confidence and benefit from our employment law service as you move forward in your wrongful termination case. Call us today for a free consultation.
