Did you recently lose a job in Mississippi? Do you believe your employer engaged in some form of discrimination when they let you go?
You may have grounds to file a wrongful termination claim if so. When filing a claim, you may seek reinstatement to your job and/or financial compensation. Strongly consider reviewing your case with a Mississippi wrongful termination lawyer to learn more about potential legal options in these circumstances.
Are There Mississippi Wrongful Termination Laws?
Most states have their own laws regarding which classes of people are protected from wrongful termination. Mississippi is an exception. Mississippi wrongful termination laws are essentially federal laws that apply everywhere.
Specifically, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlines the protected qualities and characteristics an employer can’t account for when deciding to fire an employee. The law prohibits employers from discriminating against workers on the basis of:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- National origin
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who:
- Complain about workplace discrimination, whether in a formal or informal capacity
- File workplace discrimination charges
- Participate in workplace discrimination investigations or lawsuits as witnesses
You may have a valid Mississippi wrongful termination case if you think an employer has violated this federal law.
What Other Laws Protect Mississippi Workers From Wrongful Termination?
Additional wrongful termination laws in Mississippi include the following federal laws and regulations:
- 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)
Mississippi is an at-will employment state. An employer can let you go for virtually any reason in an at-will state. However, they can’t break the law, nor can they violate the terms of an employment contract. Check the terms of your contract to determine if your employer engaged in wrongful termination when firing you.
Who Oversees the Wrongful Termination Laws in Mississippi?
Because there are no Mississippi wrongful termination laws aside from federal laws, there is no state agency that handles wrongful termination claims. If you want to file a Mississippi wrongful termination complaint, you can do so through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
You can file a complaint online. Act fast, as you may only have 180 days from the time your employer fired you to take legal action.
The EEOC will investigate the matter. Upon concluding their investigation, the EEOC may take action against your employer directly. Or, the EEOC may provide you with a right to sue letter.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer That Takes Mississippi Wrongful Termination Claims
Employers are unlikely to openly admit the truth when they fire employees for illegal reasons. Proving you’ve experienced wrongful termination in Mississippi can be challenging without effective representation.
Your odds of holding an employer accountable for violating your rights may be greater with help from a wrongful termination lawyer taking cases in Mississippi. Get started today by taking the Free Case Evaluation to speak with an independent lawyer who subscribes to the website and may be able to help you.
