What Is Considered Wrongful Termination in New Jersey?

For a firing to be considered wrongful termination, it must have occurred illegally in the eyes of the law. This means the termination must have either violated a state or federal law that prohibits discrimination or retaliation or violated the terms and conditions of your employment as stated in your contract.

To determine where you stand, you should consult with experienced and knowledgeable wrongful termination / employment lawyers in NJ. You want someone who can sit with you and determine whether your claim for wrongful termination qualifies.

We will help you determine whether your employer was violating New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. Our attorneys will also reference the many other state and federal laws under which relief can be sought.

How Do You Prove Wrongful Termination?

While it is not illegal to treat an employee “unfairly," it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee for his or her race, religion, disability, sex, etc.

It is also illegal for an employer to:

• Subject an employee to a racially or sexually hostile work atmosphere
• Retaliate against whistleblowers
• Deny an employee’s rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act
• Fail to pay an employee overtime pay
• Refuse to provide reasonable accommodation for disabled employees
• Violate the terms of an employee’s contract or employee handbook

If you can prove that your employer violated any of these laws, you may be able to prove wrongful termination.

How Much Can You Sue for Wrongful Termination?

The award you can get for a wrongful termination lawsuit depends on a variety of factors. It can fall anywhere between a few thousand dollars and millions of dollars. It simply depends on the circumstances surrounding your specific situation.

In a case we tried to a jury a number of years ago, we recovered $500,000 for an employee after his company fired him in violation of the progressive discipline system set out in the company’s handbook. Additionally, the skill of your attorneys, and what they can prove factors in.

It is difficult for an attorney to provide any financial details without first knowing the particulars of your case. To receive a better estimate based on the details of your case, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

How Long Does a Wrongful Termination Case Typically Last?

Again, the length of a wrongful termination case depends on several factors. Some cases may settle in as quick as a couple months, while others may take a year or more to resolve. If a case does not settle, you can expect a wrongful termination suit to last somewhere between one to three years until it gets to trial.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Termination in NJ?

It is important to remember that if you choose to file a wrongful termination lawsuit based on the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, you only have two years from the date of your termination to do so.

In some cases, there are even shorter “statutes of limitation.” For example, If you are filing a claim for whistleblower retaliation, using New Jersey’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act (“CEPA”), you only have one year to file. That is why you should obtain a lawyer as soon as possible.

Can I Sue for Wrongful Termination in an Employment-at-Will State?

New Jersey is an employment-at-will state. This means that businesses may hire or fire employees as they see fit. They do not need to provide cause or justification for termination. Employees may also leave a job without cause or justification without facing legal consequences.

However, there are very important exceptions to this general principle. If an employer fires an employee due to a discriminatory belief or action, the employee may sue for wrongful termination. An employee may also sue the employer if their termination violated terms of their employment contract.