Coronavirus (COVID-19) Wrongful Termination in Georgia

Wrongful termination (also known as wrongful dismissal and wrongful discharge) refers to a firing that’s in violation of federal or state laws. Georgia is an “at-will” employment state, meaning that employers enjoy significant discretion over firing decisions. However, there are exceptions to the at-will rule. For example, it’s illegal to fire an employee based on their race, national origin, or religious beliefs.

As a victim of wrongful termination, you may be able to recover various damages including:

• Lost wages and benefits
• Emotional distress (commonly referred to as pain and suffering)
• Punitive damages (if the employer’s actions were particularly egregious)

Certain firings, such as those involving discrimination, are always against the law. In addition, there are some scenarios that may constitute wrongful termination during the coronavirus pandemic. For example:

• You were fired for taking leave: Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of job-protected, unpaid leave for certain family and medical situations.
• You were dismissed for reporting health and safety issues: The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act prohibits retaliation for bringing up these concerns.
• You adhered to public policy orders: If your employer forces you to go to work during a lockdown, they risk legal action.

We want you to know that our family is here for yours in this unprecedented crisis. We are available 24/7 to handle all of your legal needs.

If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated, contact our Georgia offices. You may be entitled to compensation in a difficult time.

Schedule a free, no-risk case evaluation now.