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

Employment not falling in the "at will" category is subject to different limitations and requirements, so you should be sure to learn the classification of your work setup. Arrangements for employment that are under a set term contract are not "at will", and may only be terminated according to the clauses contained in the agreement.

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

In the state of Maryland, employee discrimination is the most common illegal ground for termination in an at-will employment. Employers are prohibited from terminating their employees on the basis of race, gender, religion, or nationality. An Anne Arundel County employer also is prohibited from terminating at-will employees as a method of retaliation if the worker has sought an investigation into discrimination or has filed a legal claim for discrimination against the employer.

Additionally, according to the Family and Medical leave, employers are prohibited from firing employees who take leave for family or medical purposes. Lastly, employees are protected from being fired by their employer for performing a legal obligation, exercising their legal rights, or for refusing to participate in an illegal act.

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

A local Anne Arundel County, Maryland attorney can better inform you about whether a wrongful termination has occurred, and will also help in gathering the appropriate documents for your case. There may also be unique procedures that an attorney can shepherd you through.