Know Your Rights And Legal Options With The Help Of Our Wrongful Termination Lawyers

In Pennsylvania, many people work under “at-will” employment. This generally means your employer can end your job for any reason, or no reason at all. They do not need to show a cause or prove you made a mistake. It also means you have the right to quit your job whenever you wish.

However, the “at-will” rule is not absolute. Employers cannot fire you for unjust or unlawful reasons. If you suspect that discrimination or retaliation was the reason behind your dismissal, our wrongful termination attorneys at Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, will aggressively advocate on your behalf. With decades of combined legal experience, we have protected employee rights throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. Our lawyers are committed to helping you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

Understanding Discriminatory Dismissal

Discriminatory dismissal is when an employer fires an employee, not because of their job performance or business reasons, but because of certain traits or qualities. According to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), an employer cannot fire you based on your:

• Race or color
• Religious creed
• Ancestry or national origin
• Gender identity and sexual orientation, including conditions such as pregnancy
• Age, if you are 40 or above
• Physical or mental disability, including the use of a guide or support animal

If you believe that your job dismissal was due to any of these reasons, our wrongful termination attorneys can assess your case and help you explore your legal options.

Understanding Retaliatory Dismissal And Protected Activities

Retaliatory dismissal means your employer fired you as punishment for doing a certain protected activity or action, such as whistleblowing. A whistleblower is a worker who shares information about unlawful acts at their workplace. This can range from regulatory violations to the misuse of public funds.

Other protected activities include:

• Making a report about discrimination or harassment
• Taking part in an investigation about issues at work
• Starting a workers’ compensation claim
• Using legally allowed time off, such as taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Saying no to an illegal command from a supervisor

If your employer fired you because you engaged in one of these protected activities, then you may have a strong legal claim. Our wrongful termination attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, protecting your rights throughout the process. 

Filing A Wrongful Termination Claim In Pennsylvania

Knowing the timeframe to file a wrongful termination claim in Pennsylvania is vital. The deadline can change based on the specific legal reason for your termination:

• Claims based on discrimination: You typically have 180 days from your firing date to file with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRA). For federal claims with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), this period is often 300 days. If the EEOC then gives you a “Right to Sue” letter, you usually have 90 days after getting it to file your lawsuit in federal court.
• Claims under Pennsylvania’s whistleblower law: The deadline is typically 180 days from the date of the retaliatory act.
• Wrongful termination due to public policy: For cases such as being fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim, serving on jury duty or refusing to commit an illegal act your employer asked you to do, you generally have a two-year time limit from your termination date. 
• Claims for broken contracts: If your job contract stated you could only be fired for “cause,” but you were let go without a valid reason, you typically have four years to file a claim.

Acting quickly is crucial. Our lawyers will work quickly to gather the requirements for the claim and help you meet all crucial deadlines.

Protect Your Career: Talk To Our Wrongful Termination Attorneys Today

If you suspect your dismissal from work was unlawful, knowing your rights is key. Our dedicated attorneys at Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, are ready to stand with you in the process of seeking justice. Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss the specifics of your case and potential next steps. Call 610-314-7066 or send us a message through our contact form. You can also visit our offices in West Chester, Kennett Square, Pottstown and Media.