Losing your job can be overwhelming, especially if you suspect it was unfair or illegal. In Connecticut, wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires someone for unlawful reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation, or refusing to engage in illegal activities. At Madsen, Prestley & Parenteau, LLC, we know how stressful this situation can be. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and determine if you have a case for wrongful termination in CT.

What’s Wrongful Termination in Connecticut?

Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires someone in violation of state or federal laws. This can include firing someone because of their race, gender, age, religion, or disability, which is considered discrimination. It also includes letting someone go as retaliation for reporting unsafe working conditions, whistleblowing on illegal company actions, or exercising their legal rights, like filing a workers’ compensation claim. If any of these situations apply to you, you may have experienced wrongful termination.

Does At-Will Employment Allow Firing for Any Reason?

Connecticut follows at-will employment, which means employers can fire employees at any time and for almost any reason… or no reason at all. However, this does not give them the right to fire someone for illegal reasons. If your termination was discriminatory or retaliatory, at-will employment in Connecticut does not protect your employer. For example, if you were fired for taking medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or for filing a harassment complaint, this could qualify as unlawful termination.

How Do You Know If You Were Wrongfully Terminated?

Knowing whether you were wrongfully terminated isn’t always clear. If you were fired shortly after reporting harassment or discrimination, or if the reasons given for your termination don’t match previous feedback or performance reviews, you might have a case. It is also a red flag if other employees were treated differently in similar situations. If any of these scenarios sound familiar, it is worth exploring whether what happened to you fits the definition of what's wrongful termination.

Proving wrongful termination requires solid evidence. This can include emails, text messages, performance reviews, or statements from coworkers who witnessed unfair treatment. Documenting everything related to your termination is crucial. If you suspect you were fired for illegal reasons, it is important to act quickly to protect your rights.

How to Fight Wrongful Termination in Connecticut?

If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, it is imperative to understand how to fight wrongful termination. Start by gathering all relevant documents, such as termination letters, emails, and any communication related to your job performance or complaints you made. These records can serve as vital evidence if you decide to pursue legal action.

The next step is to contact a knowledgeable lawyer who specializes in wrongful termination cases.
An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, evaluate your situation, and guide you through the legal process. At Madsen, Prestley & Parenteau, we have a strong track record handling wrongful termination cases in Connecticut. Our team is dedicated to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.

How Do You File a Lawsuit for Wrongful Termination?

Like others in this unfortunate situation, you are likely wondering “How do you file a lawsuit for wrongful termination?” In Connecticut, if you are filing a claim under a statute that is enforced by the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), such as a claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, or the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act, then you must first file your complaint with the CHRO or EEOC. These agencies investigate claims of workplace discrimination and retaliation. It is important to file your complaint within the required time frame, which is generally 300 days from the date of the act of discrimination or retaliation against you. Once the complaint is filed, it will proceed in accordance with the agency procedures, which can include mediation and/or an investigation of your claim. Alternatively, after you have filed a claim with the CHRO or EEOC, you will have the ability to pursue your claim in court – provided that you comply with the procedures and the deadlines for doing so.

In addition, other types of wrongful termination claims must be filed directly with other administrative agencies, such as OSHA, which administers a number of federal whistleblower statutes. Under some of those whistleblower statutes, you have the ability to file your claims in federal court after they have been pending at OSHA for a certain period of time. But it is critical that you adhere to the deadlines and procedures which govern these types of claims.

There are also a number of wrongful termination claims that can be filed directly in court, without in court, without filing complaints with agencies such as the CHRO, EEOC, or OSHA. These types of claims include some forms of whistleblowing, violation of free speech rights protected by the First Amendment or the Connecticut Constitution, other violations of federal constitutional rights, as well as other types of discrimination or retaliation claims.

Navigating this process can be complicated, which is why having an experienced lawyer by your side is critical. At Madsen, Prestley & Parenteau, we guide our clients through every step, from filing the initial complaint to representing them in court, if necessary.

Contact Madsen, Prestley & Parenteau for Assistance with Your Wrongful Termination Today

Losing your job is difficult enough without the added burden of feeling like you were treated unfairly. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, don’t wait to take action. You have the right to seek justice and hold your employer accountable for illegal actions. Call 860-246-2466 or contact Madsen, Prestley & Parenteau, today to discuss your case and find out how we can help you fight for your rights. You don’t have to face this battle alone—reach out to us now for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward getting the justice you deserve.