Wrongful Termination in Colorado
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Colorado protects employees fired for jury duty, voting, or filing workers' comp claims under public policy exceptions.
How Colorado treats Wrongful Termination
Colorado recognizes wrongful termination claims when an employer fires an employee for exercising legally protected rights, such as serving on a jury, voting, or reporting workplace injuries. The state applies a narrow public policy exception to at-will employment, requiring the employee to show the termination violated a fundamental public policy. Colorado courts have consistently upheld protections for workers' compensation claimants and those performing civic duties.
The general definition of Wrongful Termination
Illegal firing of an employee in violation of law, contract, or public policy.
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason or in violation of an employment contract or established public policy. Common illegal reasons include retaliation for reporting safety violations, discrimination based on race or gender, refusal to commit an illegal act, or exercising a legal right like jury duty. In most US states, employment is at-will, meaning employers can fire workers for almost any reason, but there are important exceptions. An employee who is wrongfully terminated can sue for damages, including lost wages and emotional distress.
Read the full Wrongful Termination entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.