Cincinnati Wrongful Termination Attorneys
Proudly Serving Clients throughout Ohio
Wrongful termination can be an emotionally and financially devastating
event for any loyal, hardworking employee. Fortunately, Ohio employment
laws protect workers from being unjustly fired on the basis of discrimination
or retaliation.
The Cincinnati wrongful termination attorneys at Freking Myers & Reul,
LLC are here to help you file a claim and stand up for your legal rights.
You may have the right to recover financial damages in a wrongful termination
claim against an employer who violated state law. Compensation may include
punitive damages, equitable back pay, attorneys’ fees, and more.
Wrongful termination claims can be quite challenging to prove because Ohio
is an “at-will” employment state. However, there is hope for
employees who have been the victim of an employer’s illegal actions.
The following information is intended to help you better understand your
rights and options.
Can I Sue My Boss for Treating Me Unfairly?
You may not recover damages in a wrongful termination claim based on an
“unfair” or “unjust” firing. The dismissal must
be considered illegal in order for you to pursue damages in a civil action.
For instance, you cannot sue your boss based on his or her having fired
you because your salary allegedly was too high. While this could be considered
an unfair cause for dismissal, it does not—in and of itself—represent
a violation of the law. Ohio’s status as an “employment-at-will”
state requires you to prove your employer violated a state employment law.
What Does it Mean to Be An “Employment-At-Will” State?
Employment in Ohio is considered to be on an “at-will basis.”
This means an employer or employee may terminate the relationship:
- At any time (without having to give to notice)
- Without providing cause
- Without reason
Exceptions may apply in cases where a contract exists between you and your
former employer. A lawyer can determine the scope of such a contract and
determine your legal options.
What Constitutes a Wrongful Termination in Ohio?
Despite Ohio’s “at-will employment” doctrine, employers
must adhere to certain state standards. Your employer may be guilty of
wrongful termination if they violated a federal or state employment law.
Illegal reasons for terminating an employee include:
- Firing someone based on gender, sexual orientation, race, age, disability,
marital status, pregnancy, religion, etc.
- Firing injured workers who file for medical compensation and other benefits.
- Firing employees who act in a “whistleblower” capacity.
- Firing an employee as retaliation against them for going on leave of absence
for the birth of a child or for a family medical emergency.
A lawyer can assess the circumstances of your case to determine if you
have cause to file suit.
What Evidence Is Necessary to Prove a Wrongful Termination?
Your claim must prove your former employer violated the state’s anti-discrimination
laws or that your dismissal was an act of retaliation. For example, you
may need to prove your employer had a history of firing minority employees
for being late to work while failing to punish white employees for the
same infraction.
Potential evidence in your claim may include:
- Emailed communications
- Witness statements
- Employment records/history
You will be unable to recover compensation without providing sufficient
evidence of your employer’s motives for dismissing you from your
job. Our legal team can help you identify and collect evidence that will
back up your claim.
Read on to learn more or
contact our firm now to book your initial case review.
