If you were fired for an illegal reason in Washington D.C., you may be eligible to file a claim against your previous employer. There are state and Federal laws that protect workers in Washington D.C. and across the country from illegal termination. If your employer violated state or Federal laws by firing you for a discriminatory reason you could be entitled to damages.
What Is The D.C. Human Rights Act?
The D.C. Human Rights Act is one of the toughest anti-discrimination laws in the country. It protects workers from being discriminated against by employers because of their:
- Age
- Color
- Credit Information
- Disability
- Family Responsibilities
- Familial Status
- Gender Identity & Expression
- Genetic Information
- Homeless Status
- Marital Status
- Matriculation
- National Origin
- Personal Appearance
- Place of Residence or Business
- Political Affiliation
- Race
- Religion
- Sealed Eviction Record
- Sex
- Sexual Orientation
- Source of Income
- Status as a Victim or Family Member of a Victim of Domestic Violence, a Sexual Offense, or Stalking (DVSOS)
- Status as a Victim of an Intrafamily Offense
That means in Washington, D.C. an employee cannot be fired for any of the reasons listed here. And workers in Washington D.C. are also protected by Federal employment laws.
What Other Laws Protect Washington D.C. Workers From Wrongful Termination?
Washington D.C. workers are protected by Federal employment laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Law which says that workers can’t be discriminated against because of their race, religion, place of birth, gender, or age. Workers in D.C. are also protected by these Federal employment laws:
- 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
Who Oversees the Wrongful Termination Laws in Washington D.C.?
Workers in Washington D.C. who are victims of wrongful termination can file a complaint against the employer that fired them with the D.C. Office of Human Rights. The Office Of Human Rights takes workplace rights violations very seriously. Companies that violate the D.C. Human Rights Law face stiff penalties. You can call the Office Of Human Rights for information on filing a claim or start your claim online.
The Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) also investigates workplace rights violations. If your employer violated any Federal workplace laws by firing you then the EEOC will investigate your claim. You can file a claim with the EEOC online or in a branch office.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer That Takes Washington D.C. Wrongful Termination Claims
You should speak with an employment lawyer about your case before filing your claim. An employment lawyer can answer questions about your specific circumstances, help you start a claim, and advise you on what types of evidence you will need to submit with your claim.
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