What legal basis might a discharged employee use to assert a claim against an employer?
Employees who believe that their employment was wrongfully terminated may file suit against employers based on such claims as violation of federal or state anti-discrimination or other employee protection statutes, breach of an employment contract (express or implied), or state common-law exceptions to the employment-at-will doctrine. Liability under any of these can be costly to an employer. Even if the employer avoids liability, costs incurred in defending against lawsuits can be exorbitant. Taking proactive steps to avoid suit can benefit both employers and employees.
