If you’ve recently been fired and believe it was unfair or unjustified, you’re not alone, and you may have legal options. Understanding Maryland wrongful termination law is the first step toward protecting your rights and determining whether your termination violated state or federal employment protections.
At Smithey Law Group LLC, we focus exclusively on labor and employment matters. Our attorneys serve on the Labor and Employment Section Council and the Board of Governors of the Maryland State Bar Association. We’ve authored foundational texts like the Maryland Rules Commentary and the MSBA Maryland Employment Law Deskbook. Our Maryland wrongful termination attorneys can help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and fight for justice if an employer wrongly terminated you.
Understanding At-Will Employment
Maryland is an at-will employment state. This means employers can terminate employees at any time, for any reason, or no reason, unless the firing violates a law or an enforceable contract.
But “at-will” doesn’t mean “anything goes.” Maryland wrongful termination law protects employees against being fired for illegal or retaliatory reasons. You may have a viable legal claim if your termination falls under one of several key exceptions.
When a Firing Crosses the Line: Unlawful Reasons for Termination
Even in an at-will state, some reasons for firing a worker are simply against the law. The most common illegal grounds for termination include:
- Discrimination. Under state and federal law, an employer cannot legally fire you because of your race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy status, national origin, age (if you’re 40 or older), disability, or genetic information.
- Retaliation. Employers may not fire workers for asserting their rights under the law, such as reporting discrimination, filing a wage complaint, or taking protected medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Public policy violations. In Maryland, it is illegal to fire someone for reasons that violate public policy. This includes terminations related to jury duty, workers’ compensation claims, or refusing to engage in illegal acts.
- Breach of contract. You may have a claim if you have a written or implied employment contract that restricts the manner of your firing, and the employer violates that agreement.
These unlawful reasons form the foundation of most claims brought under employment termination laws.
What Evidence Do You Need to Prove Wrongful Termination?
Proving wrongful termination is not always straightforward. You’ll need to show that your firing violated a law or public policy and that you suffered harm because of the firing. Key pieces of evidence might include:
- Termination documentation. Any emails, termination letters, or internal reports outlining the reasons for your dismissal.
- Performance records. Reviews or productivity reports that contradict claims of poor performance.
- Witness accounts. Testimony from coworkers or managers who observed the firing or the events leading up to it.
- Complaint records. If you filed a complaint internally or with an external agency like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), keep a copy.
Also, be mindful of the following important deadlines for legal action:
- EEOC complaints must typically be filed within 300 days of the alleged wrongful act,
- Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) complaints may be subject to six-month deadlines in some circumstances,
- Whistleblower claims or wage disputes may carry their own unique timeframes under Maryland firing laws.
Because these timelines can pass quickly, speaking with an employment attorney as soon as possible is essential.
Key Maryland and Federal Employment Termination Laws
Employees in Maryland have protections on how and when an employer can fire someone through a combination of state and federal laws. These include:
- Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA). FEPA provides anti-discrimination protections and applies to employers with 15 or more employees. It prohibits firing based on characteristics such as race, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability.
- Maryland whistleblower protection laws. State employees are protected from retaliation for reporting unlawful conduct, as are some private employees. It’s important to understand if you are protected under Maryland whistleblower laws before making a claim.
- Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law. You may have recourse under state wage payment and employment standards if you were not paid your final wages, earned bonuses, or commissions.
- Federal statutes. Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, FMLA, and other federal laws often apply to wrongful terminations involving discrimination, retaliation, or protected medical leave.
Understanding which of these laws applies to your situation requires careful legal analysis, which is something our team at Smithey Law Group can provide.
How Maryland Wrongful Termination Law Applies to Your Case
Every wrongful termination case is different. Maybe you were fired shortly after reporting safety concerns, or a new supervisor discriminated against you based on age or disability. No matter the circumstances, state wrongful termination law may provide a pathway to justice.
Our attorneys have successfully represented clients in a wide range of termination-related claims, including:
- Race and gender discrimination cases,
- Whistleblower retaliation,
- Wage theft and unpaid commissions, and
- Contract breaches involving severance or guaranteed employment terms.
We know what to look for, how to gather evidence, and how to fight back.
How the Smithey Law Group Can Help
At Smithey Law Group, employment law isn’t just one of our practice areas—it’s our entire focus. Our attorneys are thought leaders in this space, helping shape policy and practice in Maryland. We support employees navigating wrongful termination through:
- Comprehensive case evaluation under Maryland and federal law;
- Evidence gathering and legal strategy tailored to your goals;
- Representation in agency filings, negotiations, and court proceedings; and
- Severance review and settlement negotiation.
With our extensive knowledge of wrongful termination law and proven record of results, we’re ready to advocate for you.
Take the Next Step Toward Justice
Being fired unfairly can feel deeply personal, and the legal landscape can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to face it alone. With the right legal support, you can protect your rights and demand the justice you deserve.
Contact the Smithey Law Group today for a confidential consultation. Let us guide you through the process, advocate on your behalf, and help you move forward.
