Florida is an at-will employment state, which means employers have the right to fire workers for many different reasons without breaking any laws. However, that does not mean that it is legal every time an employer fires an employee. There are times when a firing is wrongful termination, and this is illegal. Employees who were wrongfully terminated have the right to take legal action against their former employers.
In many cases, wrongful termination happens in response to certain actions an employee takes, such as reporting harassment or filing a workers’ compensation claim. Workers should be able to report inappropriate behaviors and illegal treatment in the workplace without fear of retaliation, and they should be able to pursue benefits if they seek rightful support after a work accident. Employers may not want to take the time or spend the money to address problems, and they may assume it’s easier to simply fire the worker.
In Florida, employees have been wrongfully terminated because they supported unions, sought benefits for work-related injuries, reported harassment, reported discrimination or filed a complaint against their employer. Even in an at-will employment state, there are limits to what employers can do. Wrongfully terminated workers may consider a civil claim to recoup losses and secure appropriate compensation.
If an employee believes he or she is the victim of wrongful termination, speaking out is important. That individual will benefit from the experienced guidance of a knowledgeable employment law attorney. An assessment of the individual case can reveal the appropriate course of action.
