Indiana is an at-will employment state which means that you or your employer can end your employment for any reason at any time.
However, there are certain instances that constitute wrongful termination.
Wrongful termination
While Indiana employers may terminate employment for any reason, it is wrongful termination if your termination violates any federal, state or local laws.
Wrongful termination due to discrimination
Everyone has the right to employment without being subject to discrimination. It is wrongful for an employer to end your employment due to reasons related to age, gender, race, religion or any other protected class. It is also wrongful for an employer to terminate your employment due to a disability they could reasonably make accommodations for.
Wrongful termination due to retaliation
It is illegal for an employer to terminate you as retaliation for refusing to do something illegal for them. Similarly, it is wrongful for an employer to terminate an employee out of retaliation for “blowing the whistle” and reporting their employer to the authorities for an illegal act. You have the right to protect yourself and your rights. Your employer cannot fire you as retaliation for reporting claims of sexual harassment, for filing workers’ compensation claims or for taking family or medical leave.
Violations of employment agreements are also cases of wrongful termination. Suppose you had a contract with your employer regarding the dates of your employment and the circumstances necessary to terminate your employment. If your employer breached that contract by firing you without adhering to what the contract stipulated, your termination was wrongful.