The majority of employment relationships in Tennessee fall into the category of "at-will" employment. This form of setup means that either employer or the employee is free to end the employment at any time they desire. The only general 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 essential to discover whether your employment is so classified. 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 Tennessee?

In the state of Tennessee, 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 Martin 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.

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

Attorneys in Martin, Tennessee 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.