If you were fired for an illegal reason Tennessee, there are some laws in place that can protect you. It’s a myth that employers can fire you for any reason, or no reason at all. Even in an at-will employment state your employer can’t fire your for things like your race, your religion, or where you’re from. If you have been fired for a discriminatory reason in Tennessee, you can file a complaint against that employer and you may be eligible for damages.
What Is The Tennessee Human Rights Act?
Most states, including Tennessee, have laws that prohibit discrimination in employment. The Tennessee Human Rights Act makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee because of their race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability.
If your employer in Tennessee fired you out of retaliation or because of any of the reasons that are protected by the Tennessee Human Rights Act you can file an official complaint with the state against that employer. There are also Federal laws that protect your rights in the workplace.
What Other Laws Protect Tennessee Workers From Wrongful Termination?
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act makes it a violation of Federal law for an employer to fire someone for their race, gender, religion, birthplace, age, or sexual orientation. Workers in every state are also protected by these Federal employment laws:
- Americans With Disabilities Act
- Pregnancy Protection Act
- Pregnancy Fairness Act
- Family Medical Leave Act
- Age Discrimination In Employment Act
- Occupational Health And Safety Act
- Immigration Reform And Control Act
If you were fired for a discriminatory reason in Tennessee, you can file a Federal complaint against that employer in addition to a state complaint.
Who Oversees the Wrongful Termination Laws in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a state department dedicated to protecting the people of Tennessee from discrimination in employment and housing. The Tennessee Human Rights Commission oversees enforcement of the Tennessee Human Rights Act. If you were fired for a reason that is protected by the Tennessee Human Rights Act you can file a complaint against that employer with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. You can file a complaint through the mail, online, or in person.
You can also file a complaint at the Federal level. The Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigates violations of Federal workplace laws. You can file a complaint through the EEOC’s website or in one of the EEOC offices in Tennessee.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer That Takes Tennessee Wrongful Termination Claims
If you were fired for an illegal reason you should talk with a Tennessee employment lawyer to find out more about filing a claim against that employer. A Tennessee employment attorney can help you gather evidence, file a complaint, and answer any questions that you have about your employment rights in Tennessee.
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