Most employment in Louisiana considered to be "at-will". This means that either the employer or employee can terminate the employment at any particular moment, and for any reason. The only general exception in "at-will" employment arrangements is that the termination may not be done for reasons which violate the law.

Employment that is not considered "at will" is not subject to the same restrictions, however, and so it is critical to discover whether your employment is so classified. Work arrangements that are based on an employment contract are often not "at will", and so they cannot be terminated except according to the contract procedures.

What are the Illegal Grounds for Terminating At Will Employment in Louisiana?

In a Louisiana at-will employment, discrimination is the most common unlawful ground for terminating an employee. Termination by an employer cannot be done on the basis of race, nationality, gender, or religion. Employers in East Baton Rouge Parish may also not terminate at-will employees as an act of retaliation if they have filed a legal discrimination claim or initiated an investigation into discrimination.

Additionally, employers are prohibited by the Family and Medical Leave act from firing those employees who take leave in order to address family or medical concerns. Lastly, employers may not terminate workers who exercise their legal rights, perform a legal obligation, or refuse to commit an illegal act.

Do I Need a Louisiana Attorney for My Wrongful Termination Case?

A local East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana attorney can better inform you about whether a wrongful termination has occurred, and will also help in collecting the appropriate documents for your case. There may also be unique procedures that an attorney can shepherd you through.