Loss of employment can upend your life and leave you facing significant financial uncertainty. If you were wrongfully terminated from your job, you have the legal right to pursue damages from your former employer. An experienced Providence wrongful termination attorney can help you file a lawsuit and secure the compensation you deserve.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of workers. Our experienced team of Providence employment and labor lawyers will take every action necessary to ensure a favorable outcome in your case. Set up a case review with a member of our legal staff today by calling us or filling out our online contact form.
At-Will Employment in Rhode Island
If you are thinking about filing a wrongful termination lawsuit against your employer, you need to understand that Rhode Island is an at-will employment state. This means that both employers and employees can discontinue their working relationship at any time and without cause. Because of this, a wrongful termination lawsuit can only be filed under certain conditions.
However, not all employees in the state are employed on an at-will basis. Some exceptions include:
- Public sector employees
- Union employees
- Contracted workers
Public Sector Employees
The majority of government employees working in the public sector do not work on an at-will basis. When a government employee is fired from their job without cause, they will likely have grounds to file a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Union Employees
If you work for a union, you will likely have many rights that the typical at-will worker does not enjoy. The collective bargaining agreement employment contracts of union workers often contain a clause that stipulates the workers can only be fired if there is just cause.
Contracted Workers
Employees working with a contract that includes a specific start and end date for their employment can usually only be fired under specific circumstances.
Any worker whose employment offers them additional protections beyond that of a typical at-will employee will likely find themselves able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit if they lose their job without just cause for termination.
An experienced wrongful termination lawyer in Providence, RI, will be able to review the reasoning given for your firing versus the protections of your employment contract to determine if you qualify to file a lawsuit against your employer.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful termination lawyer serving Providence, call (860) 999-9394
Nationwide Exceptions to At-Will Employment
Even if you are a standard at-will employee, there are still certain conditions under which the law prohibits your employer from terminating your employment. Some forms of illegal termination include if you were let go due to:
- Discrimination
- Whistleblowing
- Taking medical leave
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim
Discrimination
Although your employer has the right to fire you without any reason at all or because they simply don’t like you personally, they are not allowed to terminate your employment because you belong to a protected class.
Federal law protects workers from firing discrimination based on their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, or classification as a member of any other protected class.
Whistleblowing
Many laws exist to protect employees who blow the whistle on unlawful behavior. Both federal and state laws protect whistleblowers from retaliation by their employers, including wrongful termination.
Taking Medical Leave
Termination of employees for using legitimate medical leave is also prohibited. This includes employees who are taking time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Another condition under which you can not be fired is in retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim after an on-the-job injury.
Providence Wrongful Termination Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
No Additional Protections in Rhode Island
Unlike many other states that protect workers from termination under a variety of other conditions, Rhode Island does not provide workers with any additional protections.
While workers in other states may be protected by a public policy exemption, a covenant of good faith exception, or an implied contract exemption, Rhode Island only follows the federal minimum standard for protecting workers from wrongful termination.
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Ensure that You File Your Wrongful Termination Lawsuit Before Time Runs Out
In Rhode Island, employees have 90 days to file a wrongful termination lawsuit against their employers. While some exceptions exist that can modify the exact date by which you must file, it is vital that you secure the services of an experienced wrongful termination attorney serving Providence, RI, as soon as possible to ensure you don’t lose your right to file.
Your lawyer will review the details of your case to determine whether any exceptions apply and ensure that all your paperwork is completed and filed on time.
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Reach Out to an Experienced Wrongful Termination Attorney in Providence Today
Securing the services of an experienced wrongful termination lawyer is the best way to ensure you recover the compensation you need and deserve after being unlawfully fired from your job. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, our team will dedicate all our resources to your case. We know the challenges faced by wrongful termination victims and will fight hard to balance the scales.
Our experienced team of wrongful termination lawyers is ready and waiting to get started on your case today. Contact us by filling out our online contact form or giving us a call and schedule your initial case evaluation with a member of our legal team today. We’ll review the details of your case, advise you of your legal options, and answer any questions you may have.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form