If you were fired for an illegal reason in West Virginia, there are some laws in place that can protect you. Wrongful termination in West Virginia includes any situation where a worker is fired for a reason protected by law. If you were a victim of wrongful termination in West Virginia, you may be able to file a Federal and state complaint against that employer.
What Is The West Virginia Human Rights Act?
The West Virginia Human Rights Act is a West Virginia law that makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees because of things like their race, sex, or age. That means that employers can’t fire an employee based on a reason that is protected by the West Virginia Human Rights Act. The West Virginia Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination against employees based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age (40 or above), blindness, or disability. This law also prohibits discrimination in housing and public accommodation in addition to employment.
There are also Federal employment laws that protect workers from wrongful termination in West Virginia.
What Other Laws Protect West Virginia Workers From Wrongful Termination?
Employers in West Virginia must abide by Federal employment laws like:
- 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
That means they can’t fire employees based on race, sex, gender, pregnancy status, disability status, and other protected reasons. Even though West Virginia is an at-will employment state employers can’t fire employees for reasons that are protected by law. If they do that is wrongful termination. If you were a victim of wrongful termination you have the right to file a complaint against your employer.
Who Oversees the Wrongful Termination Laws in West Virginia?
At the state level, the Virginia Human Rights Commission investigates wrongful termination in West Virginia and any violations of the West Virginia Human Rights Act. You can file a complaint with the Virginia Human Rights Commission on their website or get information on filing a claim by calling the main office.
At the Federal level, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) investigates workplace rights violations in West Virginia and around the country. You can file a claim in person at any of the West Virginia EEOC offices or you can file a claim on the EEOC’s website.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer That Takes West Virginia Wrongful Termination Claims
Talking to a lawyer who has experience with West Virginia wrongful termination claims can be very helpful. An employment lawyer familiar with West Virginia's wrongful termination laws can help you file your claim, figure out what evidence you need to support your claim, and answer your questions about your employment rights in West Virginia.
Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form now to be connected with an independent participating West Virginia employment attorney who subscribes to this website and may be able to help you with your West Virginia wrongful termination claim.
