Wrongful Termination in Connecticut
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Connecticut provides broad wrongful termination protections, including firing for jury duty, whistleblowing, and refusing illegal acts.
How Connecticut treats Wrongful Termination
Connecticut General Statutes § 31-51m and related provisions protect employees from termination for jury service, voting, and reporting illegal activities. The state also shields workers who refuse to commit unlawful acts or who report safety violations. Connecticut courts recognize implied covenants of good faith and fair dealing in employment relationships, offering broader protections than many at-will employment states.
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 Connecticut.