Oklahoma City Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Your Guide to Legal Recourse

Fired unfairly in Oklahoma City and need legal help? Perhaps you’ve been terminated for reasons that don’t add up, like taking a stand against unsafe workplace conditions, or maybe after announcing your pregnancy. These are textbook examples of wrongful termination, and they’re not just unfair—they’re illegal.

If you’re grappling with the aftermath of a wrongful termination, OKC Injury Lawyers is your ally. We understand the emotional and financial toll that wrongful termination can take on an individual and are here to offer compassionate yet aggressive legal representation.

From the moment you engage our services, we take a hands-on approach to your case. We’ll help you gather evidence, navigate the complexities of employment law, and represent your interests with tenacity. Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or advocating for you in court, we aim to restore your professional and personal dignity while seeking the compensation you deserve.

Our experience isn’t limited to the courtroom. We provide comprehensive counsel on employment contracts, severance agreements, and the potential impacts of wrongful termination on your career. Call us today at 405-276-4803 for a free consultation with OKC Injury Lawyers, you’re not just getting an attorney – you’re getting a dedicated partner who will stand by you every step of the way.

Understanding Wrongful Termination in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, employment relationships operate under the ‘at-will’ doctrine. This principle allows either party – the employer or the employee – to end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, or no reason at all. Sounds fair, right? However, what happens when this freedom to terminate employment is used unjustly, to punish an employee for reasons that violate public policy or to discriminate based on protected characteristics?

This is where the concept of wrongful termination comes into play. Oklahoma has exceptions that restrict termination in cases of retaliation or discrimination. Wrongful termination can occur if an employee is fired for discriminatory reasons or if they are fired for engaging in legally protected activities. Knowing these exceptions forms the first line of defense against wrongful termination, and it is our prerogative as your wrongful termination lawyers to ensure that these rights are upheld.

What Constitutes Wrongful Termination?

Imagine being overlooked for a promotion due to your age, or being let go because of your race, gender, national origin, religion, disability, or pregnancy. These are clear-cut examples of discriminatory practices that fall under wrongful termination.

Retaliation by employers also constitutes wrongful termination. For example, if you’ve:

• Confronted a supervisor regarding being discriminated against by a fellow employee
• filed a workers’ compensation claim
• sought legal representation
• testified in workers’ compensation proceedings
• reported legal violations by your agency

Your employer cannot fire you in retaliation. The law protects whistleblowers who report legal violations and they cannot be terminated for doing so.

The Role of Federal and State Laws

The protection against wrongful termination is not confined to state laws. Both federal and state laws play a significant role in safeguarding employees from wrongful termination. If you’ve faced discrimination, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 300 days, or with the Oklahoma Office of Civil Rights Enforcement (OCRE) within 180 days from the day the discriminatory act occurred.

When filing a claim, it is crucial to articulate clearly the basis for believing discrimination occurred and demonstrate how differently employees outside of protected classes were treated. Federal laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, play a significant role in protecting employees from discrimination based on protected characteristics.

Employee Rights and Employer Obligations

Employers in Oklahoma must make all decisions regarding termination, compensation, and any other employee issue based on objective non-discriminatory grounds. Stated another way, employers cannot discriminate against employees or job applicants based on:

• race
• color
• sex
• pregnancy
• age, especially involving individuals older than 40 years old
• national origin
• religion
• genetic information
• mental or physical disability

Employers, while entitled to set qualifications for hiring, cannot require applicants to be of a certain sex, race, national origin, or religion, except in limited cases where it is a bona fide occupational qualification. It is also illegal for employers to:

• Fire employees for refusing to violate legal shelter-in-place orders
• Fire employees for taking family or medical leave
• Fire employees for filing workers’ compensation claims related to COVID-19.

Some unique protections under Oklahoma law include:

• Non-discrimination for lawful off-duty tobacco use
• Protections ensure employees can fulfill civic duties such as jury service and voting without the risk of termination
• Medical marijuana licensees cannot be terminated solely for a positive marijuana test, except in safety-sensitive job positions.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers in Oklahoma have a set of responsibilities they must follow to respect employees’ rights. They are not permitted to terminate employees for reasons that violate public policy, including refusal to commit illegal acts, performing acts in the public interest, or exercising statutory rights like filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Employers must also ensure a workplace free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious injury, adhering to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. They must report work-related accidents resulting in fatalities or hospitalization of five or more employees to the Oklahoma Department of Labor within 48 hours. Larger employers with 25 or more employees are required to designate a safety coordinator, provide quarterly safety classes, and comply with regular inspections.

In addition, they must comply with the following criteria: state and federal minimum wage and overtime pay requirements for employees engaged in interstate commerce, as dictated by state and federal laws.

Employers in Oklahoma bear the important responsibility of adhering to employment laws and regulations. OKC Injury Lawyers is not only an advocate for wrongfully terminated employees but also a resource for employers seeking to fulfill their legal obligations. We offer consultation services to ensure that employers understand and implement the necessary policies to comply with state and federal laws. This includes guidance on creating a safe workplace, adhering to non-discriminatory hiring practices, and respecting the rights of employees. By helping employers prevent legal issues before they arise, OKC Injury Lawyers contributes to a fair and just workplace environment for all.

Taking Action: Your Next Steps

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, the first step involves collecting information and seeking legal advice from a qualified Oklahoma wrongful termination attorney. 

Upon consulting with our team at OKC Injury Lawyers, you may find that you can negotiate for additional compensation or the reinstatement of your employment as remedies in a wrongful termination case.

Collecting Evidence

Collecting evidence is a critical step in building a strong wrongful termination case. If you believe your termination is impending, it’s important to collect as much evidence as possible before losing access to your emails, documents, or workplace. This evidence may be crucial in the future.

Keep a meticulous record of work-related events such as:

• performance reviews
• commendations
• reprimands
• salary changes
• informal comments from supervisors

Ensure you legally obtain copies of employment policies, memos, or reviews.

After your termination, request your personnel file and make copies of all reports and reviews. Ask your employer for a written explanation of your termination, which can serve as integral evidence in a wrongful termination lawsuit.

Seeking Legal Representation

In the face of wrongful termination, seeking legal representation should be your immediate course of action. When you’ve been wrongfully terminated, contact a wrongful termination attorney who handles employment law such as OKC Injury Lawyers.

The Vital Role of a Wrongful Termination Lawyer

At OKC Injury Lawyers, we advocate for employees who have been wrongfully terminated or faced workplace retaliation. We provide critical legal advice on instances where firings violate public policy, such as situations where employees are terminated for:

• refusing to perform illegal acts
• reporting illegal activities
• exercising their legal rights, such as taking medical leave or filing a workers’ compensation claim

Our experienced team guides clients through the procedural steps required for seeking justice, such as:

• Filing complaints with the EOC or other appropriate agency to obtain remedies like reinstatement and backpay
• Guiding potential wrongful termination lawsuits
• Seeking out of court settlement with your employer

We play a crucial role in advising on these matters, drawing on our legal knowledge and experience.

Assessing Your Case

The first step in any wrongful termination case is a thorough assessment of the facts in your case and application of state and federal employment laws to determine if you have a prima facie case against your employer of wrongful termination. We examine the specifics of your employment contract to determine if a termination breached the terms set within the contract. This involves a comprehensive review to identify the potential grounds for a wrongful termination claim.

Our meticulous approach ensures that no stone is left unturned. We analyze every aspect of your employment position and the circumstances surrounding the termination to identify possible violations. This careful assessment lays the groundwork for building a strong case, paving the way toward achieving a just resolution.

Legal Procedures

The legal procedures associated with employment, especially wrongful termination, can be daunting. Facing the complex procedures associated with properly filing a wrongful termination claim are exaggerated when you are going through the emotional turmoil of wrongful termination. We assist clients in understanding the proper legal venue for their wrongful termination case and what remedies might be available, such as job reinstatement or financial compensation. We will guide you and your family as the relevant agency investigates the wrongful termination to assess the circumstances and validity of the claim. If the wrongful termination claim remains under agency review for more than 180 days without resolution, we will help you obtain a right to sue, which is a procedural requirement required before a wrongful termination lawsuit may be filed in federal or state court.

Compensation and Justice for Wrongful Termination Victims

Victims of wrongful termination have the right to seek justice and compensation. Through an employment liability settlement, you can collect a range of damages, including:

• Back pay
• Front pay
• Bonuses
• Promotions
• 401k contributions
• Benefits
• Job search expenses
• Compensation for emotional distress

Beyond the financial recovery, these claims serve a critical role in holding employers accountable and promoting a fair and just workplace.

Holding Employers Accountable

Beyond financial compensation, there lies the broader goal of employer accountability. Pursuing a wrongful termination claim can lead to punitive or liquidated damages in cases where employers are found to have acted intentionally or with malice.

These legal actions motivate employers to adhere strictly to employment laws to avoid future lawsuits. They can lead to required policy changes at the employer’s business, and in some instances, reinstatement of the wrongfully terminated employees. Through these actions, we aim to ensure that employers adhere to fair practices and uphold the rights of their employees.

How OKC Injury Lawyers Champion Your Rights

At OKC Injury Lawyers, we are more than just legal professionals; we are Your Fierce Advocates, fighting tirelessly for the rights of our clients. We believe in personalized legal services, ensuring regular communication, and keeping our clients informed throughout their wrongful termination case.

Our knowledge, experience, and fierce advocacy make us a formidable force in the courtroom and a comforting presence for our clients. Our track record of successful outcomes is a testament to our unwavering commitment to justice and our dedication to our clients.

Our Contingency-Fee Promise

Legal battles can be expensive. But at OKC Injury Lawyers, we don’t let financial constraints stand in the way of justice. We operate on a contingency-fee basis, which means we don’t charge attorney fees unless we successfully obtain compensation in your case.

Our no-win, no-fee commitment is a key aspect of our client-focused beliefs. It aligns our success with your best interests, ensuring that we work tirelessly to secure a favorable resolution in your case. This commitment also includes no requirement for upfront fees from our clients, mitigating financial risk unless we achieve a win in your case.

Client Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it. Our clients’ testimonials speak volumes about our dedication, professionalism, and commitment to justice. They praise our unmatched professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and the effectiveness of our communication.

Our caring attitude has been a significant factor in client satisfaction, highlighting our commitment not just to our clients’ cases, but also to their overall well-being during a challenging time. The successful outcomes we have achieved for our clients validate our approach and motivate us to continue fighting for justice.

Related Practice Areas

At OKC Injury Lawyers, our experience extends beyond wrongful termination cases. We handle a variety of personal injury matters, including:

• Discrimination
• Harassment
• Wage Violations
• Pay Equity Claims
• Hostile Work Environment 
• Excessive force
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sexual assault
• Workplace injuries
• Wrongful death

Our broad umbrella of services ensures that we can provide comprehensive legal services to our clients at our law office, addressing various legal issues. Our promise to you is that we will connect you to one of our trusted partners, if we cannot provide you with the best services available for your legal issue.

Wrongful termination can leave employees feeling helpless, but armed with the right knowledge and legal representation, you can fight back. Oklahoma provides strong protections for employees, and at OKC Injury Lawyers, we are committed to ensuring that these rights are upheld.

If you suspect you’ve been a victim of wrongful termination, don’t hesitate to take a stand. Call OKC Injury Lawyers at 405-276-4803 and embark on your quest for justice today. Our team is ready to guide you through each step, defend your rights, and help you secure the fair treatment you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions