Even though most jobs are at will in Arizona, the law allows individuals to sue their employers for wrongful termination. If your termination violated federal or state laws, you may have a valid legal claim.
Call Stone Rose Law at (480) 535-9003 to speak with an employment lawyer to find out whether you can sue your employer for wrongful termination.
State laws protect employees. As such, wrongfully terminated employees have a right to pursue compensation for unlawful termination or wrongful discharge when their former employer fires them for a legally protected reason.
Wrongful termination laws protect against discrimination, retaliation, or a violation of public policy. Thus, violating the wrongful termination statute can trigger a wrongful termination complaint.
Even in an at-will employment relationship, your employer cannot fire you in a way that breaks the law.
Unlawful reasons for termination may include:
These protections are backed by state and federal laws, including the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and Arizona’s own employment statutes.
If your employer violated one of these laws, you may be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Not every firing is illegal. Unfair dismissals that may qualify as wrongful termination include being let go:
Examples of lawful terminations that are not wrongful:
Understanding the difference is crucial. If your situation aligns with a protected category or legal violation, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
A written employment contract can strengthen your claim, but it is not required. Some terminations violate implied agreements or company policies.
Courts may also recognize wrongful termination if it breaches public policy or involves retaliation, even without a formal employment agreement.
You should review your employment contract, employee handbook, and any relevant emails or records. These documents can help determine whether your termination violated your legal rights.
Various government agencies oversee different aspects of employment law. You may need to report your case to one of these agencies before you can file a lawsuit.
Filing deadlines are strict. In some cases, you may have as little as 180 days to take action. Missing these deadlines can cost you the right to file.
If your claim succeeds, you may be entitled to compensation. This can include:
Every case is different. A wrongful termination lawyer can help you determine what damages you may be eligible to pursue.
These forms of compensation are designed to make you whole and hold your employer accountable for violating your rights.
Some employers avoid outright firing workers by creating unbearable working conditions. If you felt you had no choice but to resign, you may have experienced constructive discharge.
This occurs when an employer makes the workplace so hostile or unsafe that a reasonable person would be compelled to quit.
Examples of constructive discharge include:
Even if you technically resigned, you can still file a wrongful termination claim if the facts support constructive discharge. These cases are complex and fact-specific, so it’s important to consult an employment lawyer right away.
At-will employment allows an employer to fire someone without cause, but it does not allow them to fire someone for an illegal reason. Arizona employers still must comply with anti-discrimination laws, whistleblower protections, and other state and federal rules.
Even at-will employees have rights under:
If your termination involved a protected activity or characteristic (such as taking leave, filing a complaint, or refusing to engage in illegal conduct), you may have a valid claim even without a contract. Courts will look at the totality of the employment relationship and the motive behind the firing.
Filing a claim begins with documenting the details of your termination. Gather all relevant emails, performance reviews, contracts, and any correspondence from your employer.
These documents will help your lawyer assess the strength of your case.
The process often includes:
Some cases settle before trial. Others require formal litigation.
A wrongful termination attorney will guide you through each step, from filing deadlines to trial strategy.
The earlier you start this process, the better your chances of success. Deadlines are strict, and evidence becomes harder to gather as time passes.
Deadlines for wrongful termination claims vary depending on the legal basis for your case. If you were fired due to discrimination or retaliation, you may need to file a complaint with the Arizona Civil Rights Division or the EEOC within 180 to 300 days.
Claims involving whistleblower retaliation or violations of the Arizona Employment Protection Act generally allow up to one year from the date of termination. Wage-related claims, including unpaid wages tied to termination, may have a one-year deadline under Arizona law and a two- to three-year window under federal law.
Each type of claim has different procedural requirements, and missing a deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation. An employment lawyer can help determine which time limits apply and ensure your claim is filed on time.
Wrongful termination cases require strong evidence and a detailed understanding of both state and federal employment laws. An experienced lawyer can:
Working with a lawyer improves your chances of recovering fair compensation and makes sure your legal rights are fully protected.
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, you should act quickly. Gathering evidence early can make a significant difference in your case.
At Stone Rose Law, we understand how difficult it is to take legal action after a termination. You may feel intimidated by the thought of going up against your employer or unsure whether your case qualifies.
That’s where we come in. Our employment lawyers can review the facts, assess your legal options, and help you decide what steps to take.
If your termination violates state or federal law, we will fight to hold your employer accountable and pursue every form of relief available.
Whether you were wrongfully discharged, forced to resign, or fired in retaliation for protected conduct, you may be entitled to lost wages, reinstatement, compensatory damages, and more. We will help you understand your rights and guide you through every step of the legal process, from initial agency filings to trial if needed.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Let us help you secure fair compensation and protect your future.
Call Stone Rose Law today at (480) 535-9003 to schedule a confidential consultation with a wrongful termination lawyer.
