Employers in Maryland have the right to fire employees for a wide range of reasons. A worker may be underperforming, violating workplace rules or no longer needed in a position. Many employees may feel as though they have been fired unfairly, but the fact is that in general, employers can terminate an employment contract at any time.
However, there are times when a firing could be considered wrongful and a violation of an employee’s rights. If a firing is based on a person’s age, race, religion, gender or disability, it can be considered discriminatory and unlawful. If a firing is in response to the employee filing a complaint or after reporting employer misconduct, it could also be considered an illegal firing.
Understanding the difference between lawful and unlawful employment practices could save employers a lot of time and money. One hospital recently learned an expensive lesson after they wrongfully fired a nurse.
The nurse was reportedly fired after filing complaints about questionable practices at the hospital where she was working. According to her lawsuit, the woman says that she filed a claim accusing the pharmacy of dangerous practices that allowed nurses to have prescriptions filled without the required approval of a doctor.
After she expressed her concerns about this troubling practice, the woman says that she was subjected to abusive treatment by the hospital. Workers and supervisors started badmouthing her performance and made it uncomfortable for the woman to come to work. They also refused to pay her and then fired her.
The woman filed her lawsuit claiming she was the victim of wrongful termination, and a jury agreed. The woman was awarded $1 million.
This case highlights just how costly it can be for an employer to violate an employee’s rights. In order to avoid similar disputes that can damage a company’s reputation and end up costing a business a significant amount of money in payouts and court fees, employers may want to consider discussing their employment procedures with an attorney. With legal support, employers can identify questionable policies and address any confusion regarding implementation which can save a business owner a lot of time and money in the long run.
Source: The Associated Press, “Jury awards $1m to fired W.Va. nurse”