Wrongful Termination in Indiana
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Indiana follows at-will employment with exceptions for public policy violations and breach of express contracts.
How Indiana treats Wrongful Termination
Indiana recognizes wrongful termination claims when firing violates clear public policy (such as jury duty, workers' compensation claims, or refusing illegal acts) or breaches an express written or oral employment contract. The state does not recognize implied contracts or good-faith-and-fair-dealing exceptions absent an express agreement. Indiana courts require employees to prove the termination directly violated a well-established public policy, applying a relatively narrow standard. Whistleblower protections exist but are limited compared to some neighboring 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 Indiana.