WERE YOU UNFAIRLY FIRED?

Wrongful termination happens when an employer fires someone for an illegal reason. Under Oregon law, this can include discrimination, retaliation, harassment, or punishing someone for reporting misconduct or exercising a legally protected right. It can also involve termination based on a protected characteristic such as pregnancy, race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Oregon is an at-will employment state, but that does not allow employers to fire you in violation of the Oregon Equality Act, other state anti-discrimination laws, or public policy. If your firing violated your rights, you may have a claim.

No. Under the Oregon Equality Act and related state statutes, employers cannot legally fire you because of factors such as pregnancy, medical needs, disability, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. Oregon's protections extend beyond federal law in several important areas, including explicit protections for gender identity and expression, and employers must provide reasonable accommodations and treat all employees fairly. If you were terminated after requesting accommodations, reporting concerns, or disclosing a protected condition, your rights under Oregon law may have been violated.

Depending on your case, you may be eligible to recover lost wages and future earning capacity, lost benefits such as healthcare or retirement contributions, and compensation for emotional distress. Oregon law allows for the recovery of attorneys' fees and costs in successful discrimination and retaliation claims, and punitive damages may be available in cases involving particularly egregious employer conduct. Additional damages may be available depending on the severity of the violation and the impact the wrongful termination has had on your life and career. Our legal team can help you understand your rights under Oregon state law and evaluate the full value of your claim.