Losing your job can be a devastating experience—especially when it feels unfair or unjust. But not every unfair firing is illegal. So how do you know if your termination was wrongful under Maryland law? In this post, we’ll break down what qualifies as wrongful termination, how Maryland’s at-will employment doctrine works, and what steps you can take if you believe your employer broke the law.
Understanding At-Will Employment in Maryland
Maryland, like most states, is an at-will employment state. This means that, in general, an employer can terminate an employee at any time and for almost any reason—or for no reason at all. Likewise, employees are free to leave their job at any time without giving a reason.
However, there are important exceptions to this rule. When a firing violates specific laws or contractual agreements, it may be considered wrongful termination—and that’s when legal action becomes a real option.
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired in violation of federal, state, or local laws. These laws are in place to protect workers from being fired for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, or for asserting their legal rights.
In Maryland, wrongful termination generally falls into one or more of the following categories:
1. Discrimination-Based Termination
Federal and state laws prohibit employers from firing employees based on protected characteristics, including:
- Race or color
- Religion
- Sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity)
- National origin
- Age (40 and over)
- Disability
- Genetic information
For example, if you were let go shortly after disclosing a pregnancy or requesting a religious accommodation, that could signal unlawful discrimination.
In Maryland, these protections are enforced under federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and state-level laws like the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act.
2. Retaliation for Protected Activities
It is illegal for an employer to fire you for exercising your rights or reporting unlawful behavior. This includes:
- Reporting workplace harassment or discrimination
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim
- Reporting safety violations (OSHA complaints)
- Taking qualified leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Filing a wage and hour complaint
- Participating in a workplace investigation
Retaliation is one of the most common forms of wrongful termination. If you were fired soon after making a complaint or asserting your rights, you may have a valid legal claim.
3. Violation of Employment Contracts
If you have a written employment contract that outlines specific terms of employment or grounds for termination, and your employer fires you without following those terms, it may be a breach of contract.
Even in the absence of a formal written agreement, Maryland courts may enforce implied contracts based on company policies, employee handbooks, or verbal promises. For example, if your employer’s handbook says you will receive a warning before being terminated, and you’re fired without one, that could be grounds for a claim.
4. Public Policy Violations
Maryland recognizes wrongful termination claims when an employer fires an employee in violation of public policy. This means that even if there’s no specific statute or contract involved, your firing might be illegal if it undermines important legal rights or societal values.
Examples include:
- Being fired for serving on a jury
- Refusing to commit an illegal act
- Reporting illegal activity (whistleblowing)
- Exercising a legal right, such as voting or filing a lawsuit
These claims are often complex, but they can be a powerful legal remedy for employees wronged by unscrupulous employers.
What To Do If You Suspect Wrongful Termination
If you believe your firing was unlawful, here are some steps to take:
- Document everything. Save emails, performance reviews, termination letters, and records of any complaints you made.
- Request a reason for your termination. While not legally required to provide one, many employers will share the stated reason.
- Consult an employment attorney. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, evaluate your claim, and take appropriate legal action.
In Maryland, you generally have a limited time to file a complaint or lawsuit—so it’s important to act quickly.
Final Thoughts
Being fired unfairly is hard enough—but when it’s illegally unfair, you don’t have to face it alone. Wrongful termination laws in Maryland provide protection for workers who are fired due to discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, or public policy violations. Understanding your rights is the first step toward protecting them.
If you think you were wrongfully terminated, speaking with a qualified employment attorney in Maryland can help you determine your next move—and possibly hold your employer accountable. We recommend wrongful termination lawyers maryland.
