Most employment in Missouri 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. In "at will" employment, the only basic exception is that the reasons for termination must not be illegal or in violation of the law.

It is essential 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. Typically, if your employment arrangement was for a set term, it is not "at will", and the employment can only be terminated according to procedure contained in the contract.

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

In the state of Missouri, 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. An employer in Nevada also cannot fire at-will employees in retaliation for the employee filing a claim for discrimination or prompting an investigation of 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. 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 Missouri Attorney for My Wrongful Termination Case?

A local Nevada, Missouri 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.