Anyone can be a victim of wrongful termination. Even a chief executive officer (CEO) of a company could be wrongfully terminated from his or her job. Someone in a CEO position will most likely have an employment contract. That contract will most likely specify the guidelines for termination and set specific protocol. If those protocol are broken, or if you are terminated as an act of discrimination, you can pursue a wrongful termination claim.
Can A Chief Executive Officer Be Fired Without Cause?
If you work in a state where employment is at-will, you can basically be terminated from your job for any reason – or no reason at all. However, if you were terminated for an illegal reason, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim against your employer. If you were terminated as a discriminatory act, or if it was a breach of contract, you should gather supporting evidence and documentation to advance your claim. You should keep your employment contract, termination papers, and any other evidence, including witness statements.
What Is Considered Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination can take many forms. If you are fired because of your religion, race, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation, then Title VII of the Civil Rights Act has been violated. Discrimination because of disability, color, or other characteristics may be in violation of your state’s discrimination laws. If you are a whistleblower, you are protected by laws as well. If you were a witness in someone else’s discrimination claim, or if you reported unethical or illegal actions, you cannot be terminated. You cannot be fired for exercising your rights by filing a workers’ compensation claim or for taking leave through the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
What Damages Are Included In A CEO Wrongful Termination Settlement?
If you were wrongfully terminated from your job, you can ask to be compensated for the damages you suffered. Those damages usually include lost wages, lost benefits, and mental anguish. In some situations, you may be given your job back. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the state agency that oversees your claim may include criminal penalties against your employer for their disregard for the law. You will need to provide documentation that details the losses you suffered because of the wrongful termination from your employer.
Conclusion
If you were a CEO who was wrongfully terminated from your job, then you may file a wrongful termination claim against your employer to recoup your damages. A lawyer may be able to help you with your claim by gathering supporting evidence and documentation. If you were terminated in an act of discrimination, or if you were fired because of your role as a whistleblower, then federal laws have been violated. A wrongful termination attorney will be familiar with the applicable state and federal laws. If you were wrongfully terminated as a CEO, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to share the details of your termination with an employment law attorney.
Additional Resources
