Fortis Employment law represents Maryland workers with discrimination, wrongful termination, and hostile work environment cases on full or partial contingency.
Start today with a free consultation.
Maryland WRONGFUL TERMINATION Lawyer
Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer illegally fires an employee in violation of discrimination laws, retaliation protections, an employment contract, or clear public policy.
3 years
statute of limitations
$1m +
case value
Not Required
EEOC/MCCR complaint
You don't have to face a wrongful termination alone
If you believe you’ve been wrongfully fired—whether in retaliation, in violation of an employment contract, or for an illegal reason like discrimination—you may have a legal claim. Losing your job unfairly can disrupt your career, finances, and peace of mind—but you don’t have to fight this battle alone.
At Fortis Employment Law, I help Maryland employees challenge wrongful terminations and seek justice. I am committed to protecting workers’ rights and holding employers accountable. If you're looking for an experienced wrongful termination lawyer, I can help.
Fortis' Joseph Gibson is "among the most influential and respected" employment attorneys in Maryland.
influential and respected
Maryland Daily Record (2024) (Employment Law Powerlist)
How long do I have to file a wrongful termination case?
In wrongful termination cases, strict deadlines—known as statutes of limitation—govern how long you have to take legal action.
As a wrongful termination lawyer, I ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time, help gather crucial evidence, and maximize your chances of success, whether through administrative claims, settlement negotiations, or litigation.
Statutory Claims
A statutory wrongful termination claim arises under specific laws like anti-discrimination statutes (e.g., Title VII, ADA, FMLA) or retaliation protections (e.g., Whistleblower Protection Act). These claims must typically be filed first with a government agency (e.g., EEOC, Maryland Commission on Civil Rights) within 300 days, depending on the statute, before pursuing a lawsuit.
Tort Claims
In Maryland, a wrongful termination tort claim (also called wrongful discharge) applies when an employee is fired in violation of a clear mandate of public policy, such as refusing to commit an illegal act or reporting illegal conduct. This is a common law claim, and the statute of limitations (SOL) is three years from the date of termination.
How do I prove a wrongful termination case?
To prove a wrongful termination case, you typically need evidence showing that your employer fired you for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation for exercising a legal right, or breach of contract.
An employment lawyer can help with gathering documents, witness statements, and other information indicating that the employer’s stated reason for firing you was untrue or unlawful.
1
Adverse Action
This means you must show you actually worked for the employer, whether under a contract or in an at-will setting, and that the employment ended through a clear act of termination, such as being fired or let go.
2
Public Policy
You must demonstrate that the real motive behind your firing violated the law, such as discrimination based on race or gender, or retaliation for reporting harassment or refusing to perform illegal acts.
3
Causation
You need to prove the termination caused you damages—like lost wages, emotional distress, or harm to your reputation—and that these losses were directly linked to the employer’s unlawful conduct.
Which laws apply to wrongful termination?
Wrongful termination in Maryland is a tort claim. This means that instead of relying on specific statutes, courts determine the claim’s validity based on prior case law, such as Adler v. American Standard Corp., which established that terminating an employee for reasons that violate a clear mandate of public policy is wrongful termination. This makes it critical that you have the assistance of an employment lawyer experienced in wrongful termination cases.
Adler v. American Standard
Established the public policy exception to at-will employment in Maryland, allowing wrongful termination claims when an employee is discharged for refusing to engage in illegal conduct or exercising a legal right.
Ewing v. Koppers
Clarified that a wrongful termination claim based on public policy must be tied to a clear mandate of Maryland public policy, typically found in statutes, constitutional provisions, or judicial decisions.
Wholey v. Sears Roebuck
Limited wrongful termination claims based on internal whistleblowing, holding that an employee must report the wrongdoing to an external authority to claim protection under Maryland's public policy exception.
Joseph was more than understanding, sympathetic, and caring—he listened and actually heard me.
Kathi C.
Wrongful Termination
He's phenomenal. He gave me the information and confidence necessary to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
Austin W.
Unpaid Wages
Joseph guided me with expertise and was willing to advocate for me in ways I was afraid to. Highly recommend!
Gaby R.
Wrongful Termination
My experience with him was amazing. I could not have asked for a better person to represent me.
Vayron M.
Discrimination
How does a wrongful termination lawyer help?
Losing your job unfairly can be overwhelming, but a wrongful termination lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights. From assessing your case to advocating for you in negotiations or court, an employment attorney ensures you take the right steps to seek justice and compensation.
If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, working with an experienced employment lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success. Contact Fortis Employment Law today to discuss your case and take the first step toward justice.
Negotiating a Settlement
When settling a wrongful termination case, an employment lawyer focuses on maximizing compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages by negotiating strategically with the employer or their attorneys, often leveraging strong evidence and legal arguments to push for a favorable resolution without the risks of litigation. This process may involve demand letters, mediation, or direct settlement discussions to secure the best possible outcome for the client.
Filing in Court
If litigation becomes necessary, a wrongful termination lawyer builds a compelling case by gathering evidence, deposing witnesses, and presenting legal arguments that align with Maryland's wrongful termination case law, preparing for trial while also remaining open to settlement discussions if they serve the client’s best interests.
Questions about wrongful termination
What qualifies as wrongful termination in Maryland?
Wrongful termination in Maryland occurs when an employer fires an employee in violation of public policy, such as retaliating against a whistleblower, terminating someone for refusing to engage in illegal conduct, or firing an employee based on discrimination. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, an employment lawyer can help evaluate your case.
Can I sue my employer for wrongful termination?
Yes, if your termination violates Maryland’s public policy exception or anti-discrimination laws, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit. An experienced wrongful termination lawyer can assess your situation, gather evidence, and help you pursue compensation for lost wages and other damages.
How much is my wrongful termination case worth?
The value of a wrongful termination case depends on factors like lost wages, benefits, emotional distress, and potential punitive damages. A Maryland employment lawyer can analyze your case and negotiate a settlement or fight for maximum compensation in court.
How long do I have to file a wrongful termination claim in Maryland?
The deadline for filing a wrongful termination claim varies based on the legal grounds of your case. Some claims, like those under Maryland’s public policy exception, must be filed within three years, while discrimination-based claims have shorter deadlines with the EEOC or Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. Consulting a wrongful termination attorney early ensures you don’t miss key deadlines.
