Can you sue a company for firing you unfairly?
Mia Phillips
Updated on March 30, 2026
If you have an employment contract for a particular term or length of time, or a contract stating that “good cause” is needed to fire you, you can sue for breach of contract if you were fired for reasons that were petty, trivial, unfair, untrue or fabricated.
How can I prove wrongful termination?
Instead, employers give a false reason, such as bad performance or misconduct. Therefore, to prove wrongful termination, you generally must show that the employer’s stated reason is false and that the real reason is an illegal one.
What can I expect from a wrongful termination lawsuit?
Employees who have been wrongfully terminated may be able to recover their job, back pay, compensatory damages, and other expenses in a successful lawsuit or wrongful termination settlement. Wrongful termination claims allege that an employee was fired in violation of an employment agreement or the law.
What to look for in a wrongful termination attorney?
Wrongful termination attorneys will examine the circumstances of your employment termination and analyze if there are grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit. Many circumstances where employees are fired or laid off seem unfair but are not necessarily unlawful. A wrongful termination lawyer will find out if your employer violated state …
Can a person be fired for wrongful termination?
Our survey showed that many employees who believed they had wrongful termination claims were fired for reasons that may have been unfair but weren’t illegal.
How much does a wrongful termination lawyer charge?
A lawyer that handles wrongful termination cases usually charges on a partial contingency basis, but some attorneys may charge 30-40% in a contingency agreement if your case succeeds.
Can a positive review be a sign of wrongful termination?
Being fired despite positive reviews can be a sign of wrongful termination. Think through who was involved directly (bosses, HR) and indirectly (colleagues, clients, etc.) in your termination, and write down their names and roles in the process.
