Do Oklahoma At-Will Employment Laws Allow Employers to Terminate Workers for Any Reason?
Theoretically, employers and employees can end their work relationship for any reason. However, both state and federal laws prohibit termination in many specific situations. If you believe your employer wrongfully terminated your employment, an experienced Oklahoma employment lawyer can help you understand your rights, and identify any legal options available to you.
In a discussion of employment laws in Oklahoma, Lawyers.com explains that not all reasons for termination are legal. They are not legal if they involve any of the following:
- An employer termination or employee resignation that breaches the provisions of an employment contract
- Discriminatory terminations based on such factors as age, race or gender
- Retaliation against an employee who files a worker compensation claim or an complaint regarding the work environment or policies
Issuing a wrongful termination complaint can entail a complex legal process. You need to know which state or federal government agency handles your specific issue, and then go through a complex set of steps, involving filing and providing evidence for your claim. In some cases, you may prefer to avoid government involvement, and go directly into civil litigation.
Depending on the type of issue, the government may require you to file a complaint before you can take your case to civil court. A consultation with an experienced Oklahoma employment attorney can go a long way to helping you understand the steps needed to file a claim.
The law firm of Eller & Detrich, A Professional Corporation has extensive knowledge of the state and federal laws governing Oklahoma employment practices. We are effective advocates for workers facing illegal practices at their workplaces. Contact us to learn how we can help.
July 9, 2014 Posted in Employment Law Tagged at-will employment, wrongful termination Leave a comment
