Cincinnati Wrongful Termination Attorneys
Comprehensive Legal Support for Clients Across 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.
Is Ohio an 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. For instance, an employer cannot terminate an employee based on discriminatory reasons, such as race, gender, age, religion, or disability. Wrongful termination can also occur if an employee is fired for exercising their legal rights, such as whistleblowing. A lawyer can determine the scope of such a contract and determine your legal options.
What Is Considered 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.
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.
Potential Compensation for Wrongful Termination Claims
If you’ve been wrongfully terminated you may be entitled to compensation. The compensations aren’t meant to cover the ways you have suffered due to the termination:
- Equitable back/forward pay
- Punitive damages
- Reinstatement at the position
- Compensatory damages
- Legal fees
What Evidence Is Necessary to Prove 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 consultation.
Can I Be Fired For Filing A Workers' Compensation Claim in Ohio?
As an employment law firm in Ohio with a successful track record of resolving thousands of cases, at Freking Myers & Reul LLC, one common question we receive among employees seeking legal advice is whether they can be fired for filing a workers' compensation claim.
In Ohio, it is illegal for an employer to terminate an employee solely in retaliation for filing a workers' compensation claim. The Ohio Revised Code Section 4123.90 provides protections to employees who exercise their right to seek workers' compensation benefits. Employers are prohibited from taking adverse employment actions, such as termination, demotion, or retaliation, against employees who have filed or attempted to file a workers' compensation claim.
What Should I Do If I Believe I Have Been Wrongfully Terminated In Ohio?
If you believe you experienced unlawful termination in Ohio, taking prompt and appropriate action is important for protecting your rights. Here's what you should do if you believe you were wrongfully terminated by your employer:
- Document the details: Keep a detailed record of the events leading up to your termination, including any discriminatory remarks, actions, or incidents that occurred in the workplace. This documentation will serve as valuable evidence to support your claim.
- Consult with a Cincinnati wrongful termination lawyer: Seek the advice of a qualified who specializes in employment law at Freking Myers & Reul LLC. We can evaluate your situation, provide a confidential case evaluation, and guide you through the legal process.
- Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with Ohio employment laws and regulations, as well as federal laws that protect employees from wrongful termination, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Preserve evidence: Preserve any evidence related to your termination, such as employment contracts, performance evaluations, emails, or witness statements that can support your claim.
- File a complaint: Depending on the circumstances, you may need to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC). An experienced attorney can assist you in preparing and filing the necessary documentation.
- Seek resolution: Your attorney will work with you to explore various options for resolving the issue, including negotiation, mediation, or litigation. They will advocate for your rights and seek the appropriate legal remedies on your behalf.
Call A Wrongful Termination Attorney Today
At Freking Myers & Reul LLC, we have been serving Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois for more than 30 years. Backed by decades of combined legal experience, our dedicated employment law attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and seeking justice for wrongful termination cases. We offer personalized attention, and our proven track record of success speaks to our dedication to our clients' well-being.
If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, do not hesitate to contact Freking Myers & Reul LLC for a confidential case evaluation. We are here to provide you with the legal representation you deserve and to fight for your rights during this challenging time.
Learn more about your options for financial recovery during a case evaluation with our Cincinnati wrongful termination attorneys at Freking Myers & Reul, LLC. Call (513) 866-8816 or send us a message online.
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