Losing your job is never easy — especially when you feel the decision was unfair or unlawful. If you were recently fired in Washington, DC and suspect your termination wasn’t justified, it’s important to know the signs that might indicate you were wrongfully terminated.
Understanding these warning signals can help you decide whether to take legal action and protect your rights under DC law.
Here are the top five signs you may have been wrongfully terminated:
1. You Were Fired Shortly After Reporting Discrimination or Harassment
One of the clearest signs of wrongful termination is when an employee is terminated shortly after reporting discrimination, harassment, or other illegal behavior at work.
Washington, DC’s Human Rights Act protects employees from retaliation for complaining about discrimination or harassment. If you reported a hostile work environment or filed a complaint with your HR department, and then your employer fired you, it could be illegal retaliation—and therefore wrongful termination.
2. Your Termination Violated an Employment Contract or Agreement
If you have a written employment contract, collective bargaining agreement, or any signed document that outlines the terms of your employment, your firing may be wrongful if it violates those terms.
For example, if your contract guarantees termination only “for cause,” and you were fired without any valid reason, that can be a breach of contract. Additionally, union workers have protections under their collective bargaining agreements that often require just cause for termination.
3. You Were Terminated Because of Your Protected Status
Federal and DC laws prohibit firing employees based on certain protected characteristics. This includes:
- Race
- Gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation
- Age (40 or older)
- Disability
- Religion
- National origin
- Family status
If your employer fired you based on any of these factors—or if you were treated differently than coworkers outside these protected groups—it could be wrongful termination under discrimination laws.
4. You Were Fired After Requesting Reasonable Accommodations
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and DC disability laws, employers must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities. If you asked for accommodations—like modified work hours, special equipment, or leave—and your employer fired you instead of accommodating your needs, that is a strong sign of wrongful termination.
Similarly, if you took protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and were terminated during or shortly after your leave, your firing might violate your rights.
5. Your Employer Provided No Legitimate Reason or a Shifting Explanation
When employers cannot provide a clear, consistent, and legitimate reason for your termination, it raises a red flag. If your employer gives vague reasons or changes their story about why you were fired, it might be because the real reason was unlawful.
For example, if you were told you were fired for “performance issues” but your evaluations were positive, or if no formal warning or disciplinary action preceded your termination, these inconsistencies could point to wrongful termination.
What To Do If You See These Signs
If any of the above signs apply to your situation, you should take immediate action:
- Document everything: Keep copies of emails, texts, performance reviews, and notes about conversations related to your firing.
- Request a written explanation: Ask your employer to provide a formal, written reason for your termination.
- File a complaint: You can file a charge with the DC Office of Human Rights or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- Consult a wrongful termination attorney: An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case, help you gather evidence, and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Why Timing Matters
In Washington, DC, you have 300 days from the date of your termination to file a discrimination or retaliation complaint with the DC Office of Human Rights or EEOC. Missing this deadline can bar you from pursuing legal remedies.
Because the clock starts ticking as soon as you are fired, don’t wait to get legal advice.
Conclusion
Wrongful termination can cause emotional distress, financial hardship, and damage to your professional reputation. But the law provides important protections to help you seek justice and compensation.
If you notice any of the signs above after your termination in Washington, DC, take action promptly. Protect your rights by consulting a skilled wrongful termination attorney who can assess your case and help you fight back against unlawful treatment. We recommend wrongful termination attorney dc.
