“At Will” Employment in Washington: What Are Your Rights?

Washington is an “at will” employment state. This means that employers have the right to terminate your employment without notice, warnings, or reasons. It also means that you have the right to leave your job without giving warning, notice, or reasons. Yet this does not mean that employers can terminate someone wrongfully.

So how do you know if you were wrongfully terminated? An experienced Washington State employee rights lawyer may be able to help answer your questions, review the situations surrounding your termination, and see if you are eligible to file a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against your employer.

Employers are still bound by basic rules of employment and employee rights must not be violated. This means that employers are not allowed to fire or terminate someone based their race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation, disability, or sex. It also means that employers cannot terminate someone after they have filed a workplace rights complaint or a workers compensation claim.

It is also against the law to terminate an employee as retaliation for whistleblowing, joining a union, or complaining about unsafe working conditions. Making a complaint is not grounds for termination and if you were terminated for complaining about the safety of your work environment or exposing wrongdoing in the company, it is important to retain legal counsel immediately.

If you believe that you have been wrongfully terminated, you may have cause to file a claim. When you meet with your attorney, bring a copy of your offer letter, your termination letter, and any other emails or documentation that support your case. Even in “at will” employment states, employees still have rights that must be protected.

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One of those rights it’s the right to ask the reason why you are being discharged from your duties. Once you request this reason, your employer has 10 days to reply in writing. Once you have the reason you were terminated, contact an employee rights lawyer to see if you have cause to file a claim.

Contact Seattle Employee Rights Lawsuit Attorneys

For a free legal consultation, call
(800) 708-6000

If you believe that your rights have been violated at work or that you were wrongfully terminated, an experienced Seattle employee rights lawyer at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle employee rights lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

Real People. Real Justice. (800) 708-6000