Ohio’s “At-Will” Employment: Employment Claims and Labor Laws?

Most states in the U.S., including Ohio, maintain “at-will” employment, meaning the employer has the right to terminate without needing a specific reason, and the employee can leave without a specific reason.

While at-will employment allows employees to leave positions without notice, it can also make them feel vulnerable and uncertain about their current position’s security, as they can be let go at any time without justification.

However, this rule isn’t absolute. Even in at-will states, there are still some protections. For example, it is illegal to terminate a worker for discriminatory reasons, retaliation for an employee exercising their legal rights or their refusal to do something illegal. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated by your employer, our attorneys can help you build your civil suit and bolster your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.

Exceptions to Ohio’s “At-Will” Employment Law That Can Lead to Wrongful Termination Claims

Discrimination: A discrimination claim occurs when an employer illegally fires an employee due to their race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.

Retaliation: A retaliation claim is when an employee is terminated for whistleblowing, filing workers' compensation claims or taking family or medical leave, which are legally protected activities. Like a discrimination claim, employers found in violation could face federal and state civil penalties.

Breach of Contract: A breach of contract claim is when the employer and employee entered into a contract specifying the terms and conditions of employment that the employer later violated.

Public Policy Violations: A public policy violation claim is when an employee’s termination violates public policy. Examples of this claim can include being fired for refusing to participate in illegal activity or reporting it.

Implied Contracts: An implied contract claim can be complicated. Sometimes, a verbal agreement or the employer's policies and practices can create an implied contract that limits the "at-will" nature of employment. In such cases, courts may consider implied promises of job security as legally binding as a written-out contract. However, it can be more challenging to substantiate than a traditional breach of contract claim.

In these cases, our attorneys will help you establish a clear mutual understanding of this implied contract between you and your employer. We’ll collect straightforward evidence to prove your employer demonstrated their knowledge and betrayal of this understanding to increase your chances of obtaining the best possible outcome for your claim.

Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing: An implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing is a tacit requirement that both the employer and employee should behave fairly. If your employer acts in bad faith (e.g., by harassing you to quit before your contract ends), you may be eligible to file a wrongful termination claim.

When Should You Pursue a Wrongful Termination Claim?

The sooner you file your claim after wrongful termination, the better. Our attorneys are here to assist and eager to help you file your claim quickly and with a robust backing of evidence to strengthen your chances of success. We’ll build a persuasive narrative for your claim using things like emails with your employer, performance evaluations and witness statements from coworkers.

With the Buckeye Law Group, you’ll never feel lost about your own claim. Our attorneys will take the arduous legal battle off your shoulders while also keeping you informed with regular updates. We’ll honestly evaluate your case and give you realistic expectations while fighting for maximum compensation.

Our Team Will Aggressively Defend Your Rights as an Ohio Worker

The attorneys at the Buckeye Law Group understand how painful a sudden and wrongful termination can be, especially if your family relies on your income for financial stability. Our attorneys are ready to advocate for your interests in negotiations and litigation if necessary. We’re not afraid to go to court to defend your rights as a hardworking employee in Ohio, and we’ll fight to obtain the compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your case with one of our attorneys, call 1-800-411-PAIN or explore our wrongful termination page today.