The COVID-19 pandemic has created immense uncertainty in our lives, especially when it comes to employment. While most employers have done as well as they can to navigate this global crisis, others have not kept the best interests of their employees in mind and unlawfully fired their workers. Although employment is typically considered “at-will,” there are some circumstances in which the termination of an employee may be wrongful.
What is Wrongful Termination During this Crisis?
Being let go is always an overwhelming situation for a worker to be in, but it is particularly difficult amid a pandemic. However, in some cases, termination may be wrongful.
Below are some of the circumstances in which termination can be considered wrongful:
- You brought up safety concerns pertaining to COVID-19 and, as a result, were dismissed. The Occupational Safety and Health Act prohibits employers from firing employees for complaining about the safety of their workplace environment.
- You contracted COVID-19 and needed to take medical leave and, as a result, your employer fired you. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, eligible employees are allowed up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for serious health conditions.
- You obeyed a shelter-in-place order, resulting in termination. If you were employed in a non-essential business and your employer wrongfully requested you to work, regardless of the order, you may be able to take legal action.
Below are some of the damages you may be entitled to:
- Compensation for wages and benefits you lost due to your termination
- Compensation for emotional distress
- In some cases, you may even receive punitive damages if a judge believes your employer should be punished and deterred from repeating this behavior in the future
If you believe your employer wrongfully dismissed you, do not hesitate to contact an attorney to protect your rights.
Reach Out to Our Experienced Employment Law Attorney to Discuss Your Case Today!
If you were terminated from your job amid the COVID-19 pandemic under wrongful circumstances, you should not hold off on seeking skilled legal counsel. At Emejuru Law, LLC, our employment law attorney is committed to protecting the rights of workers. You can count on our team to fight for justice on your behalf.
Call our law office today at (240) 607-5552 to set up a case review with our attorney to learn more about what we can do to help you.