Discover what is considered wrongful discharge and how an employment lawyer can help you pursue compensation.

1. W R O N G F U L
D I S C H A R G E
H T T P S : / / W W W . J H S H O E M A K E R . C O M
U N D E R S T A N D I N G

2. It occurs when you are fired for illegal
reasons under federal or state law.
WHAT IS WRONGFUL
DISCHARGE?

3. A T - W I L L
E M P L O Y M E N T
In most states, your employment
is considered “at-will”. This
means that your employer can
let you go at any time for
almost any reason, unless
otherwise stated in an
employee contract.

4. Examples of
Wrongful
Termination
Several reasons for
termination are forbidden by
law. If you believe you have
been fired for one or more of
these reasons, you may have a
wrongful discharge case.

5. DISCRIMINATION
You cannot be fired based on
social and cultural identifiers
including:
• Race
• Gender (including pregnancy)
• Age (40+)
• Religion
• Disability

6. RETALIATION
You cannot be fired for performing
protected activities such as:
• Reporting sexual harassment or
discrimination
• Attending jury duty
• Taking medical leave
• Participating in workplace
investigations
• Reporting unsafe work conditions

7. W H A T I S A
Your termination cannot violate a substantial public policy.
This means that you cannot be fired for protected actions
including obeying the law or taking time off to vote.
Public policy can vary from state to state.
PUBLIC POLICY VIOLATION?

8. DIFFERENT STATES
HAVE DIFFERENT LAWS
T h e r e a r e f e d e r a l l a w s t h a t p r o t e c t a g a i n s t w r o n g f u l
t e r m i n a t i o n . H o w e v e r , i t c a n b e d i f f i c u l t t o n a v i g a t e t h e
n u m e r o u s s t a t e l a w s t h a t a p p l y t o y o u r c a s e .
O u r e x p e r i e n c e d l a w y e r , J a m e s H . S h o e m a k e r , c a n d e t e r m i n e
h o w y o u r c a s e i s i m p a c t e d b y V i r g i n i a s t a t e l a w s .

9. WHY DO I
NEED A
WRONGFUL
DISCHARGE
LAWYER?
Employment lawyer James H.
Shoemaker can help you pursue
the compensation you deserve,
including:
• Reinstatement
• Back pay
• Restoration of benefits
• Compensatory damages
Additionally, Mr. Shoemaker can help you
navigate any offers made by your former
employer, including a severance package.

10. C A L L U S T O D A Y
If you believe that you have
been wrongfully terminated,
contact James H. Shoemaker to
discuss your legal options.
Schedule your
consultation at
757-223-4580