Rochester Wrongful Termination Attorney

If you live and work in New York, you’re probably aware that it is an “at-will” state that allows employers to fire an employee at any time and for any reason without having to show just cause. However, what you might not know is that there is a caveat to this employment law. Employers in New York may only fire you for legal reasons, meaning – they are not allowed to terminate your employment for any reason that’s protected by New York’s Workplace Protection laws. If you’ve been fired for a reason considered illegal under the law, you’ve got a case for wrongful termination even in an at-will state.

If you’ve been wrongfully terminated from your employment, you need legal representation by a law firm with over 50 years of combined experience navigating New York’s workplace protection law for the best chance to prove your case. At Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, our Rochester employment lawyers are dedicated to fighting wrongful termination cases with one-on-one attention and the determination to see justice prevail for your case.

Common Grounds for Wrongful Termination in an At-Will State

Employers in all states must follow state and federal employment laws. Because these laws protect people from discrimination and other illegal and unethical practices, even an at-will state bounds employers to the law in certain circumstances. If you’ve been fired for any of the following reasons, you may have a claim for wrongful termination.

  • Pregnancy discrimination
  • Age and Disability discrimination
  • Religious discrimination
  • Discrimination based on your race, gender, sexual identity, or transgender status
  • Termination after asserting your right to at least minimum wage and overtime pay
  • Termination after filing a sexual harassment claim
  • Termination after filing for worker’s compensation
  • Termination after complaints of a workplace safety issue
  • Termination after taking time off to fulfill jury duty or military duty
  • Termination for whistleblowing about employer wrong-doing

You also cannot be legally fired if your employer has contractual obligations to fulfill, or if the employer is terminating you on grounds not permitted by your contract.

What to Expect in a Wrongful Termination Claim

Because of New York’s at-will termination status, you are protected from termination only for issues that fall specifically under the umbrella of protection by Work Place Protection Laws. If you feel you’ve been wrongfully terminated from your position, you should first speak to a qualified employment attorney like those at Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, to help determine if you have a case. If you have grounds to pursue a settlement or litigate for compensation in court, you could enjoy several positive outcomes:

  • Financial compensation while you wait for resolution in your case
  • Back pay
  • Compensatory damages
  • Job reinstatement

If you’ve been wrongfully terminated from your position, it greatly impacts your financial situation, career advancement, and emotional well-being. You deserve justice when your employer doesn’t adhere to New York employment law.

Why Choose Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, for Your Wrongful Termination Claim?

Our legal team has over 5 decades of combined experience in employment law, including wrongful termination. We also operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect fees if we secure financial compensation on your behalf.

Contact our Rochester office now for diligent, thorough, representation from a knowledgable law firm with a track record of success in wrongful termination claims in New York State.