If you were fired for an illegal reason in Virginia, there are some laws in place that can protect you. Wrongful termination in Virginia is illegal by both state and Federal laws. That means that employers in Virginia can’t fire you for a reason that is discriminatory, retaliatory, or protected by Federal or state law. Anyone that is a victim of illegal termination in Virginia has the right to file a claim against that employer.
What Is The Virginia Human Rights Act?
The Virginia Human Rights Act is a state law that protects employees in Virginia from discrimination and wrongful termination. Wrongful termination in Virginia, according to the Virginia Human Rights Act, happens anytime an employee is fired for a reason that is listed as protected by law. The Virginia Human Rights Act says that any Virginia employer with more than six employees cannot discriminate against or fire an employee based on their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, or disability.
If you were illegally fired in Virginia for one of these reasons you can file a claim against your employer for violating your employment rights under the Virginia Human Rights Act. Your employer may have violated a Federal employment law too.
What Other Laws Protect Virginia Workers From Wrongful Termination?
Some employers assume that in an at-will employment state like Virginia, they can fire any employee for any reason they want. That’s not true. In addition to the Virginia Human Rights Law, there are Federal laws that make it illegal for employers in Virginia to fire someone for a protected reason. Some of the Federal laws that protect Virginia workers are:
- Americans With Disabilities Act
- Title VII of the Civil Rights 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 experience wrongful termination in Virginia, you may be able to file a state or Federal claim against your employer.
Who Oversees the Wrongful Termination Laws in Virginia?
The Virginia Council on Human Rights is a state agency that works with Virginia workers if they have been wrongfully terminated in Virginia. You can file a claim against your employer on the Virginia Council of Human Rights website or you can file a claim in person.
You can also file a claim against your employer with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If your Federal workplace rights were violated the EECO will investigate your claim. You can file a claim with the EEOC online or in person at one of the EEOC offices in Virginia.
If your employer is found to have violated your rights and wrongfully terminated you then you could be eligible for damages or even getting your job back.
Talk To An Employment Law Attorney Taking Cases In Virginia
It’s a good idea to talk with an employment attorney who knows Virginia employment law and Federal employment law so that you can get answers to your questions about filing a claim. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation now to be connected with a participating, independent attorney who subscribes to the website that may be able to help you.
