If you were wrongfully terminated in Mississippi, you may be able to recoup your losses by filing a wrongful termination claim against your place of employment. Although Mississippi is an employment at-will state, wrongful termination can still happen. There are federal laws to prohibit discrimination, and although the state does not have its own discrimination laws, Mississippi does protect workers from being discharged because they exercised their voting rights, served on a jury, or serve in the military or were sent for military training.
What Are My Rights For Wrongful Termination In Mississippi?
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, and sexual orientation. If your firing was a discriminatory act, you can file a claim. If you have an employment contract, it may specify company policies and procedures as well as the circumstances under which an employee may be dismissed. If the contract is breached, then wrongful termination took place. If you are a union member and there is a collective bargaining agreement with your employer, it most likely outlines the process for terminating an employee. If that agreement has been breached, then wrongful termination took place.
Who Is Protected From Wrongful Termination In Mississippi?
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which is federal law prohibiting discrimination, applies to companies with 15 or more workers. You are also protected by federal law if you are classified as a whistleblower, and you are fired in an act of retaliation. This means if you reported unethical or illegal business activities or if you were a witness in someone else’s claim or allegations against the employer. If you have an employment contract or a collective bargaining agreement, you are protected if it was violated. You cannot be terminated for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Suing For Wrongful Termination In Mississippi
If you were wrongfully terminated from your job in Mississippi in a discriminatory act, you have 180 days from the incident to pursue a claim against your employer with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If your contract was breached, then you should speak with an attorney right away because the company policies and contract should specify the time limit. If there was a collective bargaining agreement, contact your union representative right away to learn the time limits on a claim.
In Conclusion
If you are a victim of Mississippi wrongful termination, you should consult with an employment law attorney. Employment law attorneys are familiar with the state and federal laws that apply. Be sure to discuss payment with the lawyer, as some wrongful termination lawyers take cases on a contingency basis and others charge a retainer and an hourly rate. A lawyer will help you gather supporting evidence and ensure that your claim is filed in a timely manner. If you wait too long, you cannot be compensated for your losses because your claim will be dismissed. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to share details with an attorney who represents Mississippi wrongful termination clients.
