Most US employment is “at will,” meaning you can be fired for almost any reason, but not for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation for reporting wrongdoing, or taking protected leave. Wage laws also guarantee minimum wage and overtime for many workers.
Common employee claims
- Discrimination based on race, sex, age (40+), disability, religion, national origin and other protected traits.
- Harassment creating a hostile work environment.
- Retaliation for complaining, whistleblowing or taking protected leave.
- Unpaid wages and overtime, including misclassification as a contractor.
- Severance review before you sign away your rights.
Deadlines are short
Many discrimination claims must first be filed with the EEOC or a state agency, often within 180 or 300 days. Don’t wait.
What to gather
Your offer letter or contract, pay records, performance reviews, emails or messages, and a timeline of what happened.
Frequently asked questions
Should I sign a severance agreement?
Have it reviewed first: it usually waives your right to sue, and terms are often negotiable.
Questions from readers
Question about Employment law? Ask it here. We answer common questions in general terms on this page. This is not legal advice, and we can’t take your case.
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