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Wrongful Termination Claims in New York: What Every Worker Should Know

Oct 30, 2025

Losing your job is always difficult — but being fired unfairly can feel devastating. The confusion, anger, and loss that follow can leave you questioning what went wrong. For many New Yorkers, the truth is simple: their termination was illegal.

At WRKRS Law Firm, we understand how personal this fight is. Your job isn’t just a paycheck — it’s your stability, your reputation, and your future. That’s why we stand with workers who’ve been wrongfully terminated, helping them fight back and rebuild what was taken from them.

What Is Wrongful Termination?

New York is an “at-will” employment state, meaning employers can fire workers for almost any reason — or no reason at all. However, there are important exceptions.

If your firing violated state or federal law, your employment contract, or public policy, you may have a valid wrongful termination claim.

Common illegal reasons for termination include:

  • Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, disability, or other protected traits
  • Retaliation for reporting misconduct, filing a workers’ compensation claim, or asserting your rights
  • Whistleblower retaliation for exposing illegal or unsafe practices
  • Violation of an employment contract or company policy
  • Termination during protected leave, such as medical or family leave under the FMLA

Being let go under these circumstances is not “business as usual” — it’s wrongful termination, and you have the right to take action.

Recognizing the Signs of an Illegal Firing

Most employers won’t admit they fired someone for an unlawful reason. Instead, they hide behind vague excuses like “performance issues” or “restructuring.” But the pattern often tells the real story.

Red flags that your firing may be illegal include:

  • You were terminated shortly after reporting discrimination or harassment.
  • You filed a workers’ compensation claim, and then your employer found a “reason” to let you go.
  • Your job duties were reassigned right before termination.
  • You were replaced by someone younger or outside your protected class.
  • Your performance reviews were strong until you spoke up about a workplace issue.

If this sounds familiar, it’s time to talk to an attorney. At WRKRS, we know how to identify and prove wrongful termination — even when the employer tries to cover it up.

New York Laws That Protect Workers

Both New York State and federal law protect employees from being fired for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.

Key protections include:

  • New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) and New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) — prohibit discrimination and retaliation.
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) — protects those who report wage theft or overtime violations.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) — protects whistleblowers who report unsafe working conditions.
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) — prevents employers from firing employees who take approved medical or family leave.
  • Workers’ Compensation Law §120 — prohibits retaliation for filing or pursuing a workplace injury claim.

At WRKRS, we use these laws strategically to hold employers accountable and recover damages for our clients.

What You Can Recover in a Wrongful Termination Case

If your employer broke the law, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Depending on your case, you could recover:

  • Back pay for lost wages and benefits
  • Front pay for future lost earnings
  • Reinstatement to your former position (in some cases)
  • Compensation for emotional distress
  • Punitive damages if your employer’s conduct was malicious or willful
  • Attorney’s fees and legal costs

We know that after a wrongful firing, money doesn’t erase the pain — but it can help restore your security and send a message that illegal conduct won’t go unpunished.

What to Do After Being Wrongfully Fired

If you believe you were fired illegally, take action quickly — evidence can disappear fast, and strict time limits apply.

Here’s what you should do:

  1. Document everything. Write down what happened, when it happened, and who was involved.
  2. Save communications. Keep emails, texts, performance reviews, or termination letters.
  3. Avoid signing anything. Don’t agree to severance or releases without legal review.
  4. Contact WRKRS Law Firm. We’ll evaluate your situation confidentially and help you determine your best next steps.

You don’t need to confront your employer alone. We’ll handle the communication, negotiation, and legal filings on your behalf.

How WRKRS Law Firm Helps

At WRKRS, we treat every case with urgency and respect. Our approach is strategic, aggressive, and always worker-first.

Here’s how we help:

  • Investigate your firing to uncover the real reason behind it.
  • Preserve evidence and witness statements.
  • File complaints with the New York Division of Human Rights, EEOC, or other agencies.
  • Negotiate settlements to recover your wages and benefits.
  • Litigate in court if your employer refuses to make things right.

And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win.

Fired for Doing the Right Thing? You’re Not Alone

For many workers, being fired unfairly isn’t just about losing a job — it’s about losing a sense of respect and belonging. But with the right legal help, you can take that power back.

At WRKRS, we’ve helped countless employees across New York rebuild their lives after wrongful termination. Whether you were fired for reporting discrimination, requesting medical leave, or standing up for fair pay, we’ll be your voice and your shield.

Reclaim Your Rights Today

If you were wrongfully terminated, you don’t have to face this alone. The law protects you — and WRKRS Law Firm is here to enforce those protections.

We’ll fight for your lost wages, your career, and your peace of mind. More than that, we’ll fight to make sure no one else has to go through the same experience.

Call WRKRS Law Firm today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward justice, accountability, and a better future.

Because at WRKRS, we don’t back down when your livelihood is on the line.

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Wrongful Termination Claims in New York: What Every Worker Should Know | WRKRS Law Firm