Losing your job is never easy—but when you’re fired under questionable or unfair circumstances, it’s natural to wonder: Was I wrongfully terminated?
Many employees don’t realize they have rights under both federal and state laws. Just because your employer claims you were let go “for cause” or due to “restructuring” doesn’t mean the termination was legal. In fact, wrongful termination happens more often than you might think—and it often hides behind vague excuses or sudden changes in behavior by management.
So how can you tell if your firing crossed the legal line?
Here are 10 signs you may have been wrongfully terminated and should speak with an employment attorney.
1. You Were Fired Shortly After Reporting Misconduct or Illegal Activity
If you were let go soon after reporting harassment, discrimination, unsafe conditions, wage violations, or other illegal conduct, you may have been retaliated against. Employers cannot legally fire employees for being whistleblowers or for exercising their rights under employment laws.
Example: You reported racial slurs to HR, and two weeks later, you were fired for “performance issues” with no prior warning.
2. You Took Medical or Family Leave Before You Were Let Go
If you were terminated after taking time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or for disability-related reasons, it could be illegal—especially if your employer failed to reinstate you to the same or similar position.
Example: You took maternity leave and were fired the day you returned to work.
3. The Timing Feels Too Convenient
A suspicious firing that happens right after you file a complaint, speak up at a meeting, or request an accommodation may not be a coincidence. Timing alone isn’t proof, but when combined with other evidence, it can help support a wrongful termination claim.
Example: You asked for religious accommodations—and within a week, you were terminated.
4. You Were Treated Differently Than Others in the Same Role
Unequal treatment can be a red flag. If coworkers in similar positions made mistakes or had similar issues and weren’t fired, your termination may have been influenced by discrimination or bias.
Example: Everyone was late occasionally, but only you (a minority employee) were disciplined and then let go.
5. You Have a History of Positive Performance Reviews
Employers often cite “poor performance” as a reason for firing. But if you have a track record of good reviews, promotions, or positive feedback—and there was no indication of a problem before your termination—something may be off.
Example: You received a glowing annual review in June, then were fired for “not meeting expectations” in August.
6. You Were Fired After Refusing to Do Something Illegal or Unethical
You have the right to refuse to engage in unlawful or unethical behavior. If you’re fired because you wouldn’t follow illegal orders, that could be a violation of public policy—and grounds for a wrongful termination case.
Example: You refused to falsify accounting records, and were terminated a few days later.
7. Your Employer Violated an Employment Contract
If you have a written employment contract or union agreement that specifies terms for termination, and those terms weren’t followed, your firing may be unlawful.
Example: Your contract states you must receive 60 days’ notice before termination, but you were fired on the spot.
8. You Were Harassed or Discriminated Against Before Your Termination
Were you subjected to derogatory comments, unequal treatment, or inappropriate jokes at work—especially related to your race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation? If so, and your firing followed those incidents, you may have been wrongfully terminated due to discrimination.
Example: You reported gender-based harassment to your manager, and two weeks later, you were let go “to avoid drama.”
9. You Were Forced to Quit Due to a Hostile Work Environment
Even if you technically resigned, if the conditions at work became so unbearable that any reasonable person would have quit, it might count as constructive discharge—which is treated legally like a firing.
Example: Your employer cut your hours, moved your desk to an isolated location, and constantly berated you until you resigned.
10. You Were Fired Without Any Explanation at All
While most employers in the U.S. don’t legally have to give a reason for firing (due to at-will employment), being let go without explanation, especially if it follows a conflict, complaint, or request for accommodation, should raise a red flag.
Example: After returning from a doctor-ordered absence, you were suddenly told your “position was eliminated”—yet your job was posted the next day.
What You Can Do If You Suspect Wrongful Termination
If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t wait to take action. You may have a legal claim—but evidence can disappear quickly, and there are strict time limits for filing.
Here’s what to do:
- Document everything: Emails, performance reviews, text messages, and notes from conversations.
- Don’t sign anything: Especially severance agreements or waivers—consult a lawyer first.
- Speak to a wrongful termination attorney: They can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
Conclusion
Wrongful termination is more common than many employees realize—and it often hides behind vague excuses or sudden shifts in treatment. If you were fired under suspicious or unfair circumstances, it’s worth speaking to an attorney who can help determine if your rights were violated. We recommend wrongful termination lawyers maryland.