Losing your job can be sudden and confusing. Many Maryland workers walk away from a termination wondering if what happened was unfair, unethical, or even illegal. If you were fired and something about it does not sit right, you may be asking an important question, “Was this wrongful termination?”
At Lebau & Neuworth our employment lawyers regularly speak with employees who feel overwhelmed after being let go. Our attorneys can help you understand what wrongful termination means in Maryland, help you recognize common warning signs, and learn what steps you can take next. Contact us today at (410) 296-3030 if you believe your termination might have been the result of unfair or illegal practices.
Maryland is an at will employment state, which means employers can generally terminate employees for almost any reason, including no reason at all. However, there are important exceptions. A termination may be considered wrongful if it violates federal law, Maryland law, or an employment agreement.
Wrongful termination often occurs when an employer fires someone for an illegal reason, even if that reason is disguised as something else. These cases can be subtle, which is why many employees are unsure whether they actually have a claim.
Examples of potentially illegal termination include being fired:
Understanding how these laws apply to your situation is the first step in determining whether your termination crossed a legal line.
While every situation is different, certain red flags frequently appear in wrongful termination cases. If any of the following feel familiar, it may be worth speaking with an employment lawyer in Maryland.
One of the most common signs of wrongful termination is retaliation. If you reported workplace discrimination or harassment and were fired soon afterward, your termination may be illegal.
Retaliation can follow complaints involving:
Even if your employer claims your firing was due to performance or restructuring, the timing and surrounding circumstances matter. Maryland and federal laws protect employees who speak up about unlawful workplace behavior.
Employees in Maryland have the right to take certain types of leave without fear of losing their jobs. This includes leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, military leave, and other legally protected absences.
Warning signs include being fired shortly after:
Employers are not allowed to punish workers for exercising these rights, even if the leave caused an inconvenience.
While at-will employment allows for termination without cause, sudden firing without documentation can still raise concerns, especially if it contradicts past performance reviews or company policies.
Potential red flags include:
Maryland employees are protected by a combination of state and federal employment laws. These laws are designed to prevent unfair firing and ensure basic workplace rights.
Your rights may include protection from termination based on:
In addition, some workers are covered by contracts, severance agreements, or non-compete agreements that further limit when and how you can be terminated.
If you believe you were wrongfully fired in Maryland, taking the right steps early can make a significant difference.
Consider doing the following:
You may also want to review whether your termination affects other issues such as severance, employee benefits, or non compete agreements. Each of these can impact your legal options.
Wrongful termination cases are rarely straightforward. An experienced employment lawyer can help you understand whether what happened to you was illegal and what remedies may be available.
An employment lawyer in Maryland can help by:
Legal guidance can also help you avoid common mistakes, such as missing deadlines or unintentionally waiving your rights.
At Lebau & Neuworth, we have a long history of representing employees throughout Towson, Baltimore, and across Maryland. We understand that an unexpected termination can create significant emotional stress and financial uncertainty, particularly when a job loss feels unfair or unexplained. Our team takes the time to listen to each client’s story, answer questions, and provide clear guidance so clients feel informed and supported at every stage.
Clients choose Lebau & Neuworth because we offer:
Whether a matter involves wrongful termination, employment agreements, whistleblowing claims, or severance negotiations, we remain focused on protecting our clients’ rights and helping you move forward with confidence.
If you are unsure whether you were wrongfully fired, you do not have to figure it out alone. Speaking with an experienced employment lawyer can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Contact us today at (410) 296-3030 to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your unique situation and learn what options may be available to you.
Being fired can leave you feeling powerless, but understanding your rights is an important first step forward. If you believe your termination may have been illegal, trusted legal support can help you move ahead with confidence.
Lebau & Neuworth is committed to helping Maryland workers protect their careers and hold employers accountable when the law is violated. If you were wrongfully fired in Maryland, now is the time to get answers and explore your legal options with a team that understands what you are going through.
