If you were wrongfully terminated in Missouri, you may be able to pursue a claim against your employer. Missouri is an employment “at-will” state, but there are still laws that offer protection under certain circumstances. There are federal and state laws that offer protections, so if your firing was an act of discrimination, or if you were retaliated against for reporting or witnessing against illegal or unethical actions, you have legal protections. You cannot be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim or for taking leave through the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). You are also protected if you are called for active military duty.
What Are My Rights For Wrongful Termination In Missouri?
Discrimination is prohibited by state and federal laws, so if you were terminated because of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, age, disability, or religion, get your claim underway with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If you reported discrimination or harassment in the workplace, or were a witness for another employee, you cannot be retaliated against and are protected as a whistleblower. If you have an employment contract that requires you to be notified in advance of termination, or if you are a union member and your employer and union have a collective bargaining agreement, you have legal grounds to pursue a claim as well.
Who Is Protected From Wrongful Termination In Missouri?
Federal law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, is applicable to companies with 15 or more workers. Missouri has state discrimination laws that prohibit discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, sex, disability, or age – if aged 40 to 69. State discrimination laws apply to companies who have 6 or more workers at least 20 weeks of the year. If you have been a victim of wrongful termination, you should contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Missouri Department of Labor.
Further Reading: Wrongful Termination Laws in Missouri
Suing For Wrongful Termination In Missouri
If you have been a victim of wrongful termination in Missouri, you have limited time to pursue a claim against your employer. When it comes to discrimination and wrongful termination, you have only 180 days from the date of the act to pursue a claim against your employer. You should contact the Missouri Department of Labor, the EEOC, your union representative, or an employment law attorney to ensure that your claim is underway during the permissible timeframe. If you wait too long to act, your claim will be dismissed.
In Conclusion
If you are a victim of Missouri wrongful termination, consider consulting with a wrongful termination lawyer who is familiar with Missouri employment law as well as federal laws. While some wrongful termination lawyers take cases on a contingency basis and are not paid until you win your claim, there are attorneys who charge a retainer and charge an hourly rate. Be sure to discuss payment options with your attorney. Because time is of the essence, fill out a Free Case Evaluation form on this page to share the details with an employment law attorney in your area.
