Most employment in Kentucky 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 exception to this are reasons that the law has particularly outlined as impermissible to use as a basis for employee termination.

Employment not falling in the "at will" category is subject to different limitations and requirements, so you should be sure to know the classification of your work setup. In general, employment that is subject to a set period employment contract is not considered to be "at will", and termination may only happen in accordance with procedures outlined in the contract.

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

The most common illegal ground for terminating a Kentucky employee is discrimination. An employer cannot terminate an employee simply for being of a particular race, nationality, religion or gender. Covington employers are further barred from firing at-will employees in order to retaliate against them for filing a legal discrimination claim or initiating an investigation of discrimination.

Furthermore, 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. Finally, employers cannot terminate employees who are simply exercising a legal right, performing an obligation under law, or refusing to do an illegal act.

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

A local Covington, Kentucky 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.