If you have been a victim of wrongful termination in Alaska, you may be able to pursue a claim against your employer. While Alaska is a work at-will state and employers can fire you for almost any reason, there are exceptions to the at-will rule.
If you are fired in violation of federal laws, such as for discriminatory reasons, in violation of your contract of employment, or because you are a whistleblower, you have grounds for a lawsuit.
What Are My Rights For Wrongful Termination In Alaska?
In Alaska, federal laws come into play despite it being an at-will to work state. If you are fired because of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or so forth, then federal laws have been violated.
You have grounds to pursue a lawsuit. Under federal law, it is against the law for an employer to fire an individual based on a protected characteristic, such as age if older than 40, disability, citizenship, sex, gender identity, race, color, or national origin.
Alaska law prohibits discrimination based on color, race, national origin, religion, or sex under any circumstances. The law applies to employers with 15 or more employers, while the age laws apply to employers who have 20 or more employees. Discrimination against citizenship status discrimination applies to employees who have only four or more employees.
Who Is Protected From Wrongful Termination In Alaska?
Many employers are protected by the federal and state laws. As previously mentioned, most federal laws apply to employers who have 15 or more workers while the age discrimination laws apply to those who have 20 or more workers.
Some laws apply to employers who have 4 or more workers. If you have been a victim of workplace discrimination and that has led to your termination, or if you are a whistleblower, you are protected by federal law.
If you had an employment contract and that contracted was violated by your termination, you can file a lawsuit for breach of contract.
You will need to enlist the help of an attorney who is familiar with wrongful termination claims and who can help you through the process. Maintain a file of evidence and supporting documentation to confirm your claim.
Suing For Wrongful Termination In Alaska
If you were wrongfully terminated in Alaska, you will need to contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to get your claim underway.
You can start your process online or by calling the toll-free number. You can schedule a phone interview or an in-person interview at your nearest EEOC office. You will need supporting evidence and documentation to back up your claim.
Enlist Legal Guidance
If you are a victim of wrongful termination in Alaska, enlist the help of a wrongful termination lawyer who is familiar with the state and federal employment laws. Discuss the payment options because some employment law attorneys require a retainer while others work on a contingency basis. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to get a free case review.