Being fired is never easy, especially when you believe it was unfair—or worse, illegal. In Maryland, most employment is considered “at-will,” meaning employers can terminate employees for almost any reason, or no reason at all. But “almost” isn’t the same as “anything goes.”
If you were let go under questionable circumstances, it’s important to understand your rights. Some terminations, even under at-will employment, cross the line into wrongful termination. Here’s what you need to know if you suspect you were wrongfully fired in Maryland.
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired in violation of federal or state laws, public policy, or the terms of an employment agreement. While at-will employment gives employers broad discretion, it doesn’t give them free rein to fire someone for discriminatory, retaliatory, or unlawful reasons.
Common Examples of Wrongful Termination in Maryland
- Discrimination-Based Firing
It’s illegal to fire someone based on their race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act. - Retaliation for Protected Activity
You cannot be legally terminated for engaging in protected activities such as:- Reporting discrimination or harassment
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim
- Participating in a workplace investigation
- Reporting unsafe or illegal practices (whistleblowing)
- Firing in Violation of Public Policy
Maryland courts recognize a “public policy” exception to at-will employment. This means you may have a wrongful termination claim if you were fired for:- Refusing to break the law
- Exercising a legal right (such as taking medical leave under FMLA)
- Performing a legal duty (like serving on a jury)
- Breach of Employment Contract
If you have an employment contract that specifies the terms of your job and termination, your employer must follow those terms. Firing you in breach of that agreement may be considered wrongful termination.
How Do You Know If Your Firing Was Illegal?
Not every unfair firing is illegal. The key is whether your termination violated a law, contract, or established public policy. Here are some signs that could suggest wrongful termination:
- You were fired shortly after filing a complaint about harassment or discrimination.
- Other employees who committed similar infractions were not disciplined or terminated.
- You were let go while on approved medical or family leave.
- Your employer gave vague or inconsistent reasons for your termination.
- You were pressured to quit or retaliated against after reporting something wrong.
If any of these situations sound familiar, it’s worth speaking with an employment attorney to review your case.
What Should You Do If You Think You Were Wrongfully Terminated?
- Document Everything
Write down the events leading up to your termination, including dates, conversations, emails, performance reviews, or anything else relevant. If your employer gave you a reason for your firing, note it. If you were fired suddenly after raising a concern or complaint, make a record of that. - Request Your Personnel File
Under Maryland law, former employees have the right to access their personnel files upon written request. This may contain helpful information about performance reviews, disciplinary actions, or internal communications. - File a Complaint with the EEOC or Maryland Commission on Civil Rights
If you believe you were fired due to discrimination or retaliation, you can file a complaint with:- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) (for federal claims)
- The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) (for state-level claims)
These agencies will investigate your claim and may offer mediation or legal remedies.
- Consult an Employment Attorney
Wrongful termination cases are often complex and time-sensitive. An experienced attorney can help you understand whether you have a valid claim, how strong your case is, and what compensation or remedies may be available.
What Remedies Are Available in a Wrongful Termination Case?
If your firing is found to be unlawful, you may be entitled to:
- Back pay: Lost wages from the time you were terminated
- Reinstatement: Returning to your former job (in some cases)
- Front pay: Compensation for future lost wages
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages (in severe cases)
- Coverage of legal fees
The exact remedies will depend on the nature of the violation and the strength of your case.
Final Thoughts
While Maryland’s at-will employment doctrine gives employers broad leeway, it doesn’t protect them from the consequences of unlawful termination. If you were fired for a discriminatory reason, in retaliation for protected activity, or in violation of public policy or contract terms, you may have a legal case.
The best first step? Talk to someone who knows the law. A consultation with an employment lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine the best path forward.
Being wrongfully terminated is not just about losing a job—it’s about defending your dignity and holding employers accountable when they violate the law. We recommend wrongful termination lawyers maryland.
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