The majority of employment relationships in Tennessee fall into the category of "at-will" employment. This type of setup means that either employer or the employee is free to end the employment at any time they desire. The only basic 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 crucial to discover whether your employment is so classified. In general, employment that is subject to a set period employment contract is not considered to be "at will", and termination can only happen in accordance with procedures outlined in the contract.

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

Discrimination is the most common illegal grounds for terminating an employee in Tennessee. Employers are not allowed to terminate an employee because of their race, religion, nationality, or gender. An employer also may not fire an at-will employee in retaliation for the employee starting an investigation into discrimination or filing a legal claim of discrimination against the Spring Hill employer.

Additionally, the Family and Medical Leave act makes it illegal for employers to terminate any of their employees who have taken leave based upon family or medical needs. Finally, employers are prevented from firing an employee because they have exercised a legal right, performed a legal obligation, or have refused to do something that is illegal.

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

A local Spring Hill, Tennessee 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.