Did you recently lose a job in Missouri? It’s important to understand that employers don’t always fire workers for legal reasons. You might have grounds to take legal action if you suspect an employer was discriminating against you when they fired you.
The following Missouri wrongful termination laws guide will help you better understand your options. For more information, review your case with a legal professional.
What Is The Missouri Human Rights Act?
Missouri wrongful termination laws are outlined in the Missouri Human Rights Act. Per the Missouri Human Rights Act, employers may not discriminate against workers on the basis of:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- National origin
- Ancestry
- Sex
- Disability
- Age
An employer may have engaged in discrimination if they fired you for any of the above characteristics. You could file a claim accordingly.
What Other Laws Protect Missouri Workers From Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination laws in Missouri complement or supplement various federal laws that apply across all states. Federal laws that may also protect you from wrongful termination include:
- 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)
You may also check your employment contract to see if it contains any language regarding situations in which you can and can’t be fired. Even in at-will employment states like Missouri, employers can’t violate the law or the terms of any employment contract when letting employees go.
Further Reading: Can I Sue for Wrongful Termination in Missouri?
Who Oversees the Wrongful Termination Laws in Missouri?
You may file a claim or complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights if you believe your employer has engaged in wrongful termination. Filing a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights involves first completing a Discrimination Complaint Assessment.
The Discrimination Complaint Assessment is a fairly basic series of questions. The purpose of the assessment is to confirm the Missouri Commission on Human Rights has jurisdiction over your case. Upon completing the assessment, you will receive further information on how to file a complaint.
You should also file a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). When filing a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, ask if they also file complaints with the EEOC. A state agency may do so on a worker’s behalf sometimes. If they don’t, you can file a complaint with the EEOC online.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer That Takes Missouri Wrongful Termination Claims
You may not know whether you have a valid wrongful termination case in Missouri. Even if you do, you may struggle to gather the evidence necessary to show an employer was engaging in illegal discrimination when they chose to terminate your employment.
These are just two of many reasons to enlist the help of a Missouri wrongful termination employment lawyer. Learn more by taking the Free Case Evaluation today to speak with an independent lawyer who subscribes to the website and can represent clients like you.
