Georgia’s Wrongful Termination Laws
Georgia has multiple laws governing employment issues such as child labor, disability, equal employment, and fair labor and wage standards. These employment laws provide employees with certain legal protections in the workplace by preventing child labor abuse and ensuring that employees get paid fairly. However, Georgia does not have laws on the books that specifically concern wrongful termination. In many cases, an employee who believes they were unlawfully fired from their job can fight back by using federal laws.
Federal legislation also protects workers who need time away from the office for family and medical emergencies. The Family and Medical Leave Act guarantees an employee will have a job to return to once their unpaid leave period expires. FMLA prevents an employer from firing an employee who takes up to 12 weeks of leave for:
- The birth and care of their newborn child
- Placement with a child for adoption or foster care
- Caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious medical condition
- Recovering from a serious health condition that keeps them from doing their job
Federal law also grants legal protections to those who expose wrongdoing in their workplace through the Whistleblower Protection Act. Employees who come forward with information about illegal activity, gross mismanagement, or abuse of authority should be shielded from retaliation by their employer.
What Is At-Will Employment?
Pursuing a wrongful termination case can sometimes be challenging in Georgia because it follows an at-will employment model. At-will employment means an employer can fire an employee at any time and for any legal reason. An employee is also free to resign at any time and for any reason.
While Georgia’s at-will status applies to most employees, it does not extend to everyone. Employees working under a contract are bound to the terms of that contract. If an employer terminates a contracted employee in a way that violates the terms of the document, that employee could sue for breach of contract. A skilled employment attorney can help you comb through your employment contract and look for potential violations.
Why Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer?
Employers often have teams of attorneys, human resource professionals, and other professionals looking out for their best interests. Who is looking out for you? Many Georgians who’ve been unlawfully fired feel small and vulnerable in the face of their former employer’s massive resources. However, you can get on equal footing and fight back against an illegal firing with the help of a knowledgeable Georgia wrongful termination lawyer.
As an employee, you have rights. The legal team at Geiger Legal Group, LLC can help you exercise those rights and hold your former employer accountable for their unlawful actions. Our lawyers can sit down with you and discuss the circumstances of your case. In some cases, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer for wrongful termination and seek financial compensation for your losses. This compensation may cover lost income, loss of benefits, and emotional distress.
Proving discrimination and unlawful termination is no simple task. At Geiger Legal Group, LLC, our experienced team of employment attorneys will work with you to obtain the documents, recordings, and witness testimony that may help support your case. We will also fairly calculate your financial losses and aggressively negotiate on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.
Many employers wrongfully terminate employees because they believe they can get away with it. Stand up for yourself. Contact an understanding wrongful termination attorney with Geiger Legal Group, LLC today, and let us advocate for you.
Contact a Georgia Wrongful Termination Lawyer for Help Today
An employer’s illegal actions can jeopardize everything you have worked hard to accomplish. Your financial stability and professional reputation may be at risk. Take back control of your life. Get in touch with a Canton wrongful termination lawyer for help today.
At Geiger Legal Group, LLC, we will take the time to thoroughly review your situation. We will then give you an honest assessment of your situation and offer legal solutions for a positive outcome. Contact us to speak with a Georgia wrongful termination lawyer for free.
