Wrongful Termination in Louisiana
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Louisiana civil law system requires just cause for termination; wrongful termination is easier to prove than in at-will states.
How Louisiana treats Wrongful Termination
Unlike other US states, Louisiana follows a civil law tradition and generally requires employers to have just cause for termination under Louisiana Civil Code principles. Employees can challenge dismissals as unjust or lacking reasonable grounds. Louisiana recognizes additional protections through statutes covering retaliation for workers' compensation claims, jury duty, and public policy violations. The burden on employers to justify termination is significantly higher than in at-will employment jurisdictions.
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 Louisiana.