Presented by NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
Losing your job is never easy—especially when it feels unjust or retaliatory. While New Jersey is an “at-will” employment state, that does not mean employers can fire workers for illegal reasons. If you’ve been terminated due to discrimination, retaliation, or for exercising a legal right, you may have a claim for wrongful termination.
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC is here to help employees across the state understand their rights and fight back against unlawful dismissal. We bring deep experience and dedication to every case we handle, ensuring workers receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
What Is Considered Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for reasons that violate state or federal laws. Examples of illegal termination include being fired for:
- Reporting workplace harassment or discrimination
- Taking family or medical leave (FMLA)
- Refusing to engage in illegal activities
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim
- Complaining about wage violations or unsafe work conditions
- Discriminatory reasons such as age, race, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation
Just because your employer claims you were let go “for performance” doesn’t make it lawful. If the true reason behind the firing was illegal, you may have a case.
Protections Under New Jersey Law
New Jersey’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) protects whistleblowers from retaliation. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) also prohibits employers from terminating workers based on protected characteristics. Additionally, federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act offer critical safeguards.
Wrongfully terminated employees may be entitled to substantial remedies, including lost wages, reinstatement, and compensation for emotional harm.
How to Build a Strong Case
If you suspect your termination was unlawful, you should take the following steps:
- Document the circumstances: Keep a record of emails, texts, performance reviews, and conversations that might show retaliation or bias.
- Request your personnel file: You have the right to review the documents your employer has on file.
- Consult with an attorney: A legal professional can help assess whether your firing qualifies as wrongful termination and what actions to take next.
It’s important to act quickly. Time limits (statutes of limitations) apply to employment law claims, and delays could weaken your case.
Compensation for Wrongful Termination
If successful, a wrongful termination claim may result in various forms of compensation, such as:
- Back pay and front pay
- Reinstatement to your position
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages (in certain cases)
- Attorneys’ fees and costs
To learn more about your rights and potential legal remedies, visit our dedicated page on wrongful termination lawyers in New Jersey.
Contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
Phone: (973) 358-7027
About Us:
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC serves clients throughout New Jersey who have faced wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other employment law violations. We take a strategic and compassionate approach to help you navigate your claim from start to finish.
