Being fired from your job can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you—especially if the termination seemed unfair or suspicious. In Maryland, most workers are employed “at-will,” which gives employers broad freedom to terminate employees. However, that freedom is not unlimited. If your firing violated state or federal laws, you may have the right to sue for wrongful termination.
This article explains when and how you can sue for wrongful termination in Maryland, what qualifies as unlawful firing, and what steps you should take if you believe your rights have been violated.
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee in violation of the law. While employers in Maryland are generally allowed to terminate employees at any time and for any reason, there are important exceptions. If your termination falls into one of these exceptions, it may be considered illegal, and you could have grounds to sue.
Grounds for a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit in Maryland
Here are the most common legal grounds for suing an employer for wrongful termination:
1. Discrimination
Federal and Maryland laws prohibit firing someone based on protected characteristics, including:
- Race or color
- National origin
- Sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity)
- Religion
- Disability
- Age (40 or older)
- Genetic information
If you were let go because of any of these characteristics, or if you were treated differently than others based on them, you may have a discrimination claim under laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the ADA, or Maryland’s Fair Employment Practices Act.
2. Retaliation
Employers cannot fire you for exercising your legal rights. This includes:
- Reporting harassment or discrimination
- Filing a complaint with HR or a government agency
- Participating in an internal or external investigation
- Reporting wage violations or unsafe working conditions
- Taking family or medical leave under the FMLA
If you were fired shortly after engaging in any of these activities, it may be considered retaliation—a form of wrongful termination.
3. Breach of Contract
If you had a written or implied employment contract that limited your employer’s ability to fire you, and they violated those terms, you may be able to sue for breach of contract. This applies even in an at-will state like Maryland if the contract outlines specific conditions for termination.
4. Violation of Public Policy
Maryland recognizes a public policy exception to at-will employment. That means an employer cannot fire you for reasons that go against established public policy, such as:
- Refusing to commit an illegal act
- Reporting illegal conduct (whistleblowing)
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim
- Serving on a jury
These types of firings are not just unfair—they are unlawful and may be grounds for a lawsuit.
When You Can’t Sue for Wrongful Termination
Not every unfair firing is illegal. Some terminations, while frustrating, don’t qualify as wrongful under the law. You typically can’t sue if:
- You were fired for poor performance (and no illegal reason was involved)
- Your position was eliminated due to restructuring or downsizing
- You had no employment contract and weren’t fired for a discriminatory or retaliatory reason
While you may feel wronged, you’ll need a legal basis to sue.
Steps to Take If You Want to Sue for Wrongful Termination
If you believe you were fired for an illegal reason, follow these steps to protect your rights:
1. Document Everything
Start gathering and saving all relevant information, including:
- Termination letters or emails
- Performance reviews
- Complaints you made
- Witness statements
- Your employment contract or handbook
- A timeline of events leading up to the termination
Thorough documentation can help support your claim.
2. File a Complaint with a Government Agency (If Required)
In many cases—especially discrimination or retaliation claims—you must first file a charge with:
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR)
These agencies investigate your complaint and may issue a “right to sue” letter, which allows you to file a lawsuit in court.
3. Consult with a Maryland Employment Attorney
Wrongful termination cases can be complex, and deadlines can be strict. An experienced employment lawyer can:
- Evaluate your case
- Help you file complaints or lawsuits
- Negotiate a settlement
- Represent you in court, if necessary
Many employment attorneys offer free consultations, and some work on a contingency basis.
4. Pay Attention to Deadlines
Legal claims are subject to strict statutes of limitations, such as:
- 180 or 300 days to file an EEOC or MCCR complaint (depending on the law violated)
- Three years to file a breach of contract claim in Maryland
- Other deadlines for whistleblower or public policy claims may vary
Waiting too long could cost you your right to sue.
Potential Outcomes of a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to:
- Lost wages and benefits
- Reinstatement (in rare cases)
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in cases of willful misconduct)
- Attorneys’ fees and legal costs
The exact outcome depends on the facts of your case and the applicable laws.
Final Thoughts
While at-will employment gives Maryland employers broad hiring and firing powers, those powers are not unlimited. If your termination violated discrimination laws, retaliated against you for asserting your rights, breached a contract, or went against public policy, you may have a valid wrongful termination claim.
If you’re asking, “Can I sue my employer for firing me?”—the answer is yes, if your rights were violated. But success depends on understanding the law, gathering the right evidence, and taking timely action. If you suspect your firing was illegal, don’t wait—consult with a qualified employment attorney to explore your legal options. We recommend wrongful termination lawyers maryland.