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.

It is critical that you find out what type of employment your work is classified as, because employment that is not considered to be "at will" is subject to different restrictions. Arrangements for employment that are under a defined term contract are not "at will", and can only be terminated according to the clauses contained in the agreement.

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

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

Furthermore, according to the Family and Medical leave, employers are prohibited from firing employees who take leave for family or medical purposes. Finally, employees are protected from being terminated 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 Louisiana Attorney for My Wrongful Termination Case?

A local Thibodaux, 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.