Wrongful Termination in Nebraska
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Nebraska follows at-will employment doctrine with limited exceptions for public policy violations and statutory protections.
How Nebraska treats Wrongful Termination
Nebraska recognizes wrongful termination claims primarily when firing violates a clear statutory mandate or fundamental public policy, such as jury duty or workers' compensation claims. The state does not recognize a general implied covenant of good faith in at-will employment relationships. Employees must demonstrate that the termination violated a specific statute or established public policy to succeed. Common protected activities include reporting safety violations and refusing to commit illegal acts.
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 Nebraska.