What Is Considered Wrongful Termination In Michigan?

If you are an at-will employee in Michigan, your employer can terminate your employment for any reason (or no reason) as long as the reason is not illegal. An illegal basis for termination includes firing based on protected categories, including race and national origin, religion, sex, age (if over 40), and disability.

There are other ways an employer can wrongfully terminate you in Michigan, depending on your employment status and the circumstances of your firing. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated from your job in Michigan, you may need legal representation from an experienced employment law attorney from Just Right Law.

What Is Wrongful Termination?

If an at-will employee is terminated based on their race or national origin, religion, sex, age, or due to a disability, the employer may have wrongfully terminated them. The employer is subject to legal action under federal and Michigan state laws.

In addition to the aforementioned federal protections, Michigan prohibits employers from firing workers for discriminatory reasons under the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Specifically, the Act protects employees (along with those seeking the opportunity to obtain housing and other real estate) from being discriminated against on the basis of age, color, familial status, height, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or weight. Further, these protections are considered civil rights under Michigan state law and are protective of more classes than the federal law as stated in the Act.

What Are Other Forms of Wrongful Termination?

Employees in Michigan may also have a valid wrongful termination claim if they can prove their employer retaliated against them or breached their employment or union contract.

Retaliation is another basis for wrongful termination. One example is retaliation due to whistleblowing. Whistleblowers, those employees who report illegal activities at their company, are protected from retaliation. However, sometimes, they are inappropriately terminated for reporting sexual harassment or safety violations.

Wrongful termination can likewise occur if you are a long-time employee with an implied employment contract or have a written employment or union contract that provides that you can only be discharged for good cause. What are examples of “good cause?” If you have a contract – whether a private employment contract or a union contract – you are not considered an at-will employee, and your contract will define “good cause.” For example, depending on the terms of your contract, your employer could legally fire you for theft or poor performance.

Contact Just Right Law Today

If you think you have been wrongfully terminated from your job, contact Attorney Muneeb M. Ahmad, Managing Partner at Just Right Law. Mr. Ahmad handles employment law cases at the federal and state levels for the firm, and you can speak to him about your potential wrongful termination case in a free consultation. Mr. Ahmad will review the facts and circumstances of your case, assess the potential liability of your employer, and guide you through the legal process if he determines you have a viable claim. Contact Just Right Law today at (248) 519-2313 to get started with your case.