While nearly every employee's discharge from employment is a painful event for the employee, a wrongful discharge is a discharge that has been taken for an unlawful reason. Wrongful termination lawyer Steven Murray can help employees understand their rights and pursue justice. At Murray Law, we offer experienced legal counsel and representation to individuals who have suffered from wrongful termination in violation of federal or Colorado law.
What is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason. While most employment is "at-will," meaning an employer can terminate employment for almost any reason, there are important legal exceptions.
Common Types of Wrongful Termination Claims
Discriminatory Termination
It is illegal to terminate an employee based on a protected characteristic under federal and/or Colorado law. This includes:
- Race or Color
- National origin
- Sex or Gender
- Pregnancy
- Sexual orientation
- Disability
- Religion or religious beliefs
- Age
- Marital status
- Lawful off-duty conduct
- Status as a victim of domestic violence
Retaliation-Based Termination
An employee may also have ground for a wrongful termination claim if they were fired in retaliation for:
- Reporting discrimination or harassment, such as filing an informal complaint of discrimination with the employer
- Filing a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Colorado Civil Rights Division
- Assisting, testifying, or participating in any investigation, litigation, or proceeding under the employment law, such as serving as a witness in an internal investigation of a discrimination charge or practice
- Requesting or receiving a reasonable workplace accommodation for religious beliefs, a disability, or family or medical leave
Violation of Public Policy
Colorado recognizes a wrongful termination claim where the employer fires an employee for reasons that violate public policy, such as:
- Refusing to perform an illegal act
- Reporting unlawful behavior
- Exercising a legal right or duty, such as voting or jury duty
Breach of Contract or Company Policy
A termination may be unlawful if it violates a written or implied employment contract, or if an employer fails to follow their own mandatory policies and procedures. This can include:
- Violation of they employer's mandatory employment policies, such as disciplinary and discharge procedures
- Breach of a valid contract between the employee and employer, either written or oral
- Firing in contradiction to verbal promises made by the employer
Constructive Discharge
An employee may assert a wrongful discharge claim based on constructive discharge under federal civil rights laws and Colorado law.
A constructive discharge occurs when an employee resigns because the working conditions are so intolerable that a reasonable person in the employee’s situation would have no other choice than to resign.
Why Choose Murray Law
Steven Murray is an experienced wrongful termination lawyer who has successfully represented employees in multiple United Stated District Courts, including the District of Colorado. Steven has achieved favorable jury verdicts, successful mediations, and positive outcomes in both court and administrative proceedings.
Contact a Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Contact wrongful termination lawyer Steven Murray for a confidential consultaiton.
