Can I Sue My Employer for Wrongful Termination in Maryland? -

Getting fired can be upsetting, but when you believe your termination was illegal, it becomes more than just a personal setback—it becomes a legal matter. In Maryland, as in most states, employment is generally “at-will,” meaning employers can terminate employees at any time, with or without cause. However, there are clear legal boundaries that protect workers from certain types of unlawful firings.

If you suspect you were wrongfully terminated, you may be asking, “Can I sue my employer?” The answer depends on why you were fired and whether your termination violated state or federal law. This article walks you through the circumstances under which you can sue, what you need to prove, and how the process works in Maryland.

What Is Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for reasons that are illegal. It does not include firings that are simply unfair or poorly handled, unless they violate a specific law or contract.

In Maryland, wrongful termination claims typically fall into one of four categories:

Discrimination
Retaliation
Violation of public policy
Breach of contract

Let’s explore each of these in more detail.

Grounds for Suing an Employer for Wrongful Termination

1. Discrimination

Federal and state laws prohibit employers from firing employees based on protected characteristics. These include:

Race or color
Gender or gender identity
Religion
Age (40 or older)
National origin
Disability
Sexual orientation
Marital status
Pregnancy

If you believe your termination was motivated by bias against any of these traits, you may have a valid legal claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or Maryland’s own anti-discrimination laws.

2. Retaliation

It’s illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for engaging in a protected activity. Examples include:

Reporting discrimination or harassment
Filing a workers’ compensation claim
Requesting medical leave or reasonable accommodations
Reporting wage violations
Participating in an internal or government investigation

If your firing closely followed one of these actions, and there is evidence to suggest retaliation, you may have a case.

3. Public Policy Violations

Maryland recognizes wrongful termination claims when an employee is fired in a way that violates public policy. This can include:

Refusing to engage in illegal activities
Reporting illegal behavior by your employer (whistleblowing)
Taking time off to serve on a jury
Exercising a legal right, such as voting or filing a safety complaint

If your employer fired you for doing something the law encourages or requires, it could be considered wrongful under Maryland’s public policy exception.

4. Breach of Contract

If you had an employment contract—whether written, oral, or implied—that outlined the terms under which you could be fired, and your employer violated those terms, you may have a wrongful termination claim based on breach of contract.

Even an employee handbook or consistent past practices could potentially form the basis of an implied contract, depending on the circumstances.

What Do You Need to Prove?

To successfully sue your employer for wrongful termination, you generally must prove the following:

You were an employee (not an independent contractor)
You were terminated from your position
The termination violated a specific law, contract, or public policy
You suffered damages (such as lost wages or emotional distress) as a result

It’s not enough to simply feel that your firing was unfair. You need evidence that your employer broke the law or a contractual agreement in firing you.

Steps to Take If You’re Considering Legal Action

1. Gather Evidence

Start collecting documentation such as emails, performance reviews, disciplinary notices, pay stubs, and any communication around your termination. These materials can help establish a timeline and support your claims.

2. Request Your Personnel File

In Maryland, you can request a copy of your personnel file after being terminated. This may include useful documentation related to your employment and termination.

3. File a Charge with the EEOC or MCCR

If your claim involves discrimination or retaliation, you generally must file a complaint with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) before pursuing a lawsuit. These agencies investigate complaints and may issue a “right to sue” letter if they find merit in your case.

4. Consult an Employment Attorney

Wrongful termination cases are fact-specific and often complex. An experienced employment attorney can help evaluate your case, gather the right evidence, meet filing deadlines, and guide you through the process.

What Remedies Are Available If You Win?

If your wrongful termination lawsuit is successful, you may be entitled to several forms of relief:

Back pay: Compensation for lost wages and benefits
Reinstatement: Returning to your former job (less common)
Front pay: Compensation for future lost wages if reinstatement isn’t possible
Emotional distress damages
Punitive damages in cases of egregious conduct
Attorneys’ fees and court costs

The specific outcome will depend on the facts of your case, the strength of your evidence, and whether you pursue a settlement or go to trial.

Final Thoughts

Being wrongfully terminated is more than just a financial loss—it can damage your reputation, career trajectory, and peace of mind. Fortunately, Maryland law offers protections for employees who are fired for illegal reasons. If you believe your firing violated the law, you have options.

The best way to determine if you can sue your employer is to speak with a qualified employment attorney. They can help clarify whether your rights were violated and what your next steps should be. A single conversation could make a significant difference in how you move forward after a difficult experience. We recommend wrongful termination lawyers maryland.