Employment in the state of Ohio is mostly considered to be "at-will" employment. "At will" means that for any reason, both the employer or the worker may end the work relationship at any time. In "at will" employment, the only general exception is that the reasons for termination must not be illegal or in violation of the law.

Employment that does not fall into the category of "at will" is not subject to the same restrictions. Therefore, it is crucial that you identify what type of employment arrangement you are involved in. Generally, 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 Ohio?

Regarding terminating an Ohio employee, discrimination is the most common illegal reason. An employer may not fire an employee just because they are of a certain race, religion, gender, or nationality. Mount Vernon employers are further prohibited from firing at-will employees in order to retaliate against them for filing a legal discrimination claim or initiating an investigation of discrimination.

Also, the Family and Medical leave act prohibits employers from firing employees for having taken leave for family or medical reasons. 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 Ohio Attorney for My Wrongful Termination Case?

Attorneys in Mount Vernon, Ohio may be able to inform you as to whether a wrongful termination has occurred, and can assist you in preparing the required documents for your case. There may also be unique or unfamiliar procedures, and an attorney can guide you through these as well.