Baltimore, MD Wrongful Termination Lawyers

Knowledgeable Attorneys for Wrongful Termination Claims in Baltimore, Maryland

If you have been abruptly fired from your job based on discriminatory grounds, you should know that you can take legal action to enforce your rights. There are federal and state employment laws that protect employees from unjust adverse actions from their employers. A Baltimore wrongful termination lawyer can help you enforce those rights, providing legal assistance and advice.

At Freedman Law, LLC, we represent employees who have been wrongfully terminated by their employers. We can give you an idea of your legal options and help you file a claim, seeking a remedy that addresses your damages. If needed, we can also file a lawsuit on your behalf, providing fierce advocacy in a trial.

What Is Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired in violation of the law or the terms of an employment agreement. An employer cannot legally terminate someone for reasons that are discriminatory, retaliatory, or otherwise prohibited by state or federal law. An employer also cannot fire an employee for engaging in legally protected activities.

For example, firing an employee because of their race, religion, gender, disability, or age may be considered wrongful termination under anti-discrimination laws. Likewise, dismissing someone for reporting illegal workplace conduct, filing a workers' compensation claim, or exercising family and medical leave rights may also be unlawful.

It is important for affected employees to seek legal guidance from an employment law attorney when they suspect their dismissal was unlawful. Our firm can help you investigate a wrongful termination claim, reviewing the circumstances that led up to your firing.

Filing an EEOC Complaint for Wrongful Termination in Baltimore

If you believe you were wrongfully terminated because of discrimination, retaliation, or another unlawful reason, one of the first steps is to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC enforces federal workplace laws, including those that prohibit termination based on race, sex, religion, disability, or age.

In Baltimore, you can begin the process by contacting the EEOC field office that serves Maryland. Complaints must generally be filed within 180 days of the termination, though this deadline may extend to 300 days if state or local laws also apply. Once your charge is submitted, the EEOC may investigate, mediate, or issue a "Right to Sue" letter, which allows you to take your case to court. Acting quickly is essential, as missing deadlines can prevent you from pursuing your claim.

What Remedies Are Available for a Wrongful Termination?

If you can prove that your termination was unlawful, several remedies may be available to help restore your position or compensate for your losses. In some cases, a judge may order reinstatement, requiring your employer to give you back your job. However, if returning to the workplace is not practical or desirable, financial compensation is more common.

Damages may include back pay for lost wages, front pay for future earnings, and compensation for lost benefits. Courts may also award damages for emotional distress or, in rare cases, punitive damages meant to punish especially egregious conduct by an employer. The specific remedies available depend on the facts of the case, the laws that were violated, and the relief you seek when filing your claim. An attorney can help assess which remedies may apply to your situation.