Have you lost your job in Alabama? Do you believe your employer engaged in some form of discrimination when firing you?
You may have grounds to take legal action if so. This overview of Alabama wrongful termination laws will help you better understand your options. That said, the best way to learn more about your options in these circumstances is to discuss the matter with an attorney.
What is the Alabama Age Discrimination In Employment Act?
The Alabama Age Discrimination in Employment Act (AADEA) protects workers aged 40 years and older from discrimination. Age-based discrimination can involve:
- Refusing to hire candidates 40 or older
- Firing employees for age-related reasons
- Not offering raises, promotions, or development opportunities to older employees
- Disciplining older employees more harshly than others
- Assigning unpleasant duties or hours to older employees
- Urging older employees to retire
Those are a few examples. An attorney familiar with Alabama wrongful termination laws can review your case and determine if it appears an employer engaged in age-related discrimination when firing you.
According to the University of Alabama at Huntsville, the AADEA is very similar to federal age-based discrimination laws. The main difference is that, under the AADEA, you don’t have to file an initial complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a relevant state agency to take legal action against an employer.
Instead, you can proceed with filing a traditional claim or lawsuit first. However, you still have the option of filing a complaint with the EEOC or a state agency. This guide covers that option in greater detail further down.
What Other Laws Protect Alabama Workers From Wrongful Termination?
Other wrongful termination laws in Alabama to be aware of include such federal laws as:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
- Whistleblower Protection Act
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Be aware that Alabama is an at-will employment state. This means as a worker in Alabama, you can quit a job for any reason at all. However, it also means the law grants employers significant flexibility when deciding to fire workers. Thus, when building an Alabama wrongful termination case, you may need to gather substantial evidence showing an employer broke the law.
Who Oversees the Wrongful Termination Laws in Alabama?
If you believe an employer has broken any Alabama wrongful termination laws, you may initiate the claims process by filing a complaint with the EEOC or the Alabama Department of Labor (ADL). Be sure to act fast when filing a claim, as there is a deadline for taking action.
The agency with whom you file a complaint will investigate the matter further. Depending on their findings, they may take legal action themselves, or they send you a letter formally granting you permission to move forward with a lawsuit.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer That Takes AL Wrongful Termination Claims
Navigating wrongful termination laws in Alabama after an employer fires you for potentially illegal reasons can be challenging if you lack the necessary experience. Fortunately, an Alabama wrongful termination attorney can simplify the process by offering the representation you need now. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation to get connected with an independent workers’ compensation attorney who subscribes to the website and takes claims in Alabama.
