Losing your job is stressful enough on its own, but when you suspect the termination was illegal, the frustration and uncertainty multiply fast. Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, which means most employers can let you go for almost any reason.
However, “almost any reason” is not the same as “any reason,” and the law draws clear lines that employers cannot cross. Contact Mansour Law to speak with an employment law attorney who can help you determine whether your termination violated your rights.
What is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires you for a reason that violates federal or state law, breaches an employment contract, or punishes you for exercising a legally protected right. Even in an at-will state like Pennsylvania, your employer cannot use termination as a tool to discriminate, silence, or retaliate against you.
Protections Against Wrongful Termination in PA
There are multiple legal safeguards designed to prevent employers from abusing their power in firing employees. If your termination fits any of the following situations, you may have a valid wrongful termination claim:
- Discrimination: The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and federal laws like Title VII prohibit employers from firing you based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics.
- Retaliation: Your employer is prohibited from firing you for filing a workers’ compensation claim, reporting safety violations, assisting with a government investigation, or speaking up about illegal workplace practices.
- Employment Contracts: If you signed an agreement that outlines specific conditions for termination or guarantees employment for a set period, your employer must honor those terms or face liability for breach of contract.
- Public Policy Exceptions: Pennsylvania courts have recognized that firing an employee for reasons that violate clear public policy is unlawful, such as terminating someone for serving on a jury, refusing to commit an illegal act, or exercising a statutory right.
Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Termination
The timeline for filing a wrongful termination claim depends on the legal basis of your case. Under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, you generally have 180 days from the date of the discriminatory action to file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
Federal claims under Title VII follow a similar 300-day deadline when filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Missing these windows can permanently bar you from pursuing your case, which is why acting quickly matters so much.
Do You Believe You Were Wrongfully Terminated? Contact Us Today
Filing deadlines for wrongful termination claims in Pennsylvania are strict, and once they expire, your ability to seek compensation disappears entirely. Do not let a tight timeline cost you the chance to hold your former employer accountable.
Call Mansour Law at 610-321-3538 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an employment law attorney who will examine the circumstances of your termination, determine which laws apply to your situation, and take action to pursue the compensation you are owed. You pay no fees unless we win.
