If you have been wrongfully terminated in Arkansas, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim. While Arkansas is an at-will employment state, there are extenuating circumstances in which laws could be violated and wrongful employment could take place. Here is a closer look at wrongful termination in Arkansas and how to pursue a claim.
What Are My Rights For Wrongful Termination In Arkansas?
Since Arkansas is an at-will state, an employer can end a working relationship with an employee at any time with little or no explanation.
But employers cannot terminate employees for the wrong reasons. There are many circumstances in which employees are terminated for the wrong reasons, and if the employer has violated Arkansas employment laws a terminated worker can sue their employer for damages or reinstatement to their job, or in some situations, for both.
If you have been terminated as retaliation for being a whistleblower, then you are protected by federal law.
If you are fired for a discriminatory reason, then federal laws have been violated. This could be because of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or one of many other protected statuses.
You should maintain supporting evidence and documentation to back up your claim and to show that you were a victim of workplace harassment or discrimination that led to termination.
Who Is Protected From Wrongful Termination In Arkansas?
Federal laws protect workers from discriminatory acts in the workplace, including termination. Most of these laws apply to employers with 15 or more workers, but those laws that pertain to age – for workers 40 and older – apply to employers who have 20 or more employees.
You may also have grounds to sue your employer if you have an employment contract and your employer breached that contract.
If you are a whistleblower, you will need documentation that shows details of the unethical or illegal act your employer committed, and you reported. Be sure to document everything and note every detail.
Suing For Wrongful Termination In Arkansas
If you have been a victim of wrongful termination in Arkansas, you will need to get your claim underway with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
You can visit the EEOC website to get your claim underway or to learn more about the claims process. You can file your claim online or via phone, or you can schedule an in-person appointment at your local EEOC office. You will need supporting evidence and documentation to back up your claim and to show you were a victim of wrongful termination.
Getting Your Claim On Track
If you have been the victim of wrongful termination in Arkansas, you should speak with an employment law attorney who handles wrongful termination claims.
When you consult with a lawyer, be sure to go over payment plans because some attorneys charge a retainer while others take case on a contingency basis and are not paid until you win your case.
You do have limited time for pursuing a claim, so complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share the details with an Arkansas wrongful termination attorney.
