Washington Wrongful Termination Attorney
What Counts As Wrongful Termination?
Washington is an at-will state, but employers cannot fire someone for an illegal reason. That includes discrimination tied to protected traits, retaliation for reporting harassment or safety issues, whistleblowing, taking protected leave, or refusing unlawful directives. Nigel Malden Law reviews the timing, stated reasons, and internal records to determine whether the termination broke the law.
Illegal Reasons Employers Cannot Use
Common unlawful grounds include bias based on race, gender, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, or national origin; retaliation for reporting misconduct; punishment for using FMLA or paid sick leave; and breach of promises that limited at-will firing. Many clients also face issues that began as workplace discrimination and ended in termination, which can strengthen a combined claim.
Your Rights And The Process
Most discrimination-based firings start with an EEOC or state agency charge. Other claims may proceed directly to court. Nigel gathers emails, reviews, texts, and witness statements, then sets a plan that can include a demand, mediation, or filing suit. If retaliation is part of the story, see how retaliation and whistleblower protections apply and how timing evidence supports the claim.
Evidence That Moves Cases
Useful proof includes performance reviews, policy handbooks, termination notices, comparators who were treated differently, and a clear timeline of events. In Tacoma and Pierce County, a concise chronology often persuades mediators and judges.
Fight Back After An Unlawful Firing
When a job ends for an illegal reason, quick action helps. Nigel represents workers in Tacoma, Seattle, and across Washington to seek compensation or a fair resolution. If you are ready to talk strategy, please contact us for a case review.