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"Just Cause" Dismissals

I was terminated for no reason even though I have an employment contract requiring "just cause." Can I file a lawsuit against my former employer?

Yes. You can sue for wrongful discharge based on the breach of your employment contract. If your employer wrongfully discharged you, you can recover the wages, bonuses and other amounts you would have received if you had not lost your job, plus attorneys' fees and court costs.

What constitutes "just cause"?

• Theft
• Violence
• Insubordination
• Lying on the employment application
• Excessive absenteeism or lateness
• Other similar causes

If you believe that you may be terminated and wish to challenge it, you should create a paper trail. This includes keeping documents of work-related events such as performance reviews, salary increases, reprimands and letters of commendation. You should also keep a copy of the employee handbook, if there is one, and, if permitted by your state, request to make a copy of your personnel file.