New York City Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Protecting New York City Workers Unlawfully Fired in Violation of State and Federal Laws

Losing a job can be devastating—especially when the termination is unfair, retaliatory, or discriminatory. In New York City, many people are employed on an at-will basis, meaning their employer can terminate the employment relationship for almost any reason. However, wrongful termination laws prohibit firing employees for illegal reasons. If your rights were violated under federal or New York state law, you may have a valid wrongful termination claim.

Greenberg Gross LLP is dedicated to representing individuals who have been wrongfully terminated by their employer. The firm brings experience, compassion, and legal insight to employees seeking accountability and compensation. Whether you were let go due to discrimination, retaliation, or a breach of an employment contract, Greenberg Gross LLP can help you file a wrongful termination lawsuit and pursue justice.

What Constitutes Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for reasons that violate local, state, or federal laws, or when the firing breaches the terms of an employment contract. While at-will employment allows employers to end an employment relationship without cause, they may not terminate an employee for an illegal reason.

Common scenarios that may give rise to a wrongful termination claim include:

• Firing an employee for reporting harassment or discrimination
  
• Termination based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics
  
• Letting an employee go for requesting accommodations related to a disability or health issue
  
• Retaliation for filing a workers compensation claim or reporting wage violations
  
• Firing an employee in breach of a written or implied employment contract
  

These actions may violate federal statutes, New York labor law, or city-specific regulations, and employees have the right to seek legal recourse.

Legal Protections for New York Employees

Employees in New York are protected under a range of laws that prohibit discriminatory or retaliatory terminations. These include:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, sex, and national origin)
  
• Americans with Disabilities Act
  
• Family and Medical Leave Act
  
• New York State Human Rights Law
  
• New York City Human Rights Law
  
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforcement guidelines
  

These laws apply regardless of at-will status and offer legal protection against discriminatory reasons for firing, including sexual orientation, marital status, disability status, and national origin.

Wrongful Termination Claims and Lawsuits

To file a successful wrongful termination claim, it must be proven that the employer’s action violated the law or an enforceable employment contract. Employees may initiate a wrongful termination lawsuit with the support of an experienced employment attorney, who will gather evidence, file complaints with the appropriate government agency, and represent the employee in court if necessary.

Greenberg Gross LLP helps clients build strong wrongful termination cases by investigating the cause of termination, reviewing employment agreements, identifying whether any protected activity was involved, and determining the most effective path forward.

Damages Available in Wrongful Termination Cases

Wrongfully terminated employees may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Lost wages and lost benefits (such as health insurance and retirement contributions)
  
• Back pay and front pay if reinstatement is not feasible
  
• Compensatory damages for emotional distress
  
• Punitive damages in cases of egregious employer misconduct
  
• Legal costs, including reasonable attorney fees and court-related expenses
  

Wrongful termination cases are often emotionally difficult, and our legal team provides compassionate, strategic support throughout every step of the process.

Common Examples of Wrongful Termination

• A worker is fired after reporting sexual harassment to human resources
  
• An employer retaliates against an employee who files a discrimination complaint
  
• A pregnant employee is dismissed shortly after disclosing her pregnancy
  
• An employee is terminated for taking legally protected leave under federal or state law
  
• A terminated employee discovers they were let go due to their age or disability
  

In each of these situations, the termination may be considered illegal if it violates the employee’s rights under state or federal law or breaches the terms of an employment contract.

Employment Contracts and At-Will Employment in New York

While New York is an at-will employment state, some employees are protected by contracts that limit an employer’s ability to terminate the relationship without cause. If an employment contract includes specific terms for termination, firing an employee outside those terms may justify a breach of contract claim.

An employment contract can be written or implied, and may arise from employee handbooks, company policies, or verbal agreements in some cases. Greenberg Gross LLP reviews employment contracts to determine whether a wrongful termination claim is supported by the facts and applicable laws.

Why Choose Greenberg Gross LLP

Greenberg Gross LLP exclusively represents employees, not employers. The firm has handled complex wrongful termination cases throughout the country and is familiar with both the legal requirements and emotional challenges clients face after being wrongfully terminated. The firm fights for workers’ rights, offers personalized legal strategies, and pursues full financial compensation for clients.

The firm’s employment attorneys provide clear legal guidance, help clients assess the strength of their claim, and navigate the procedural steps of filing with administrative agencies or pursuing litigation.

Contact Greenberg Gross LLP Today

If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, don’t wait to take action. Greenberg Gross LLP offers a confidential consultation to help you understand your rights and legal options. The firm is ready to stand by your side and seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and more.

Contact us today to discuss your case and begin your path toward justice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does wrongful termination mean in New York?
It refers to being fired for a reason that violates federal or New York state law, such as discrimination or retaliation.

Can I be fired for reporting workplace misconduct?
No. Terminating an employee for reporting illegal or unethical behavior may be grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit.

What are my rights as an at-will employee?
Even at-will employees cannot be fired for reasons that violate state or federal laws or breach a binding employment contract.

What if I was terminated while on medical leave?
Depending on the circumstances, termination during or after medical leave may violate the Family and Medical Leave Act or other labor laws.How much compensation can I get for a wrongful termination case?
Compensation varies, but may include back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, legal expenses, and punitive damages if warranted.