Wrongful Termination in Ohio
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Ohio recognizes wrongful termination for public policy violations, statutory breaches, and express contract violations.
How Ohio treats Wrongful Termination
Ohio protects employees fired in retaliation for jury duty, military service, workers' compensation claims, and reporting illegal activity. The state enforces express written employment contracts and recognizes claims based on violation of federal or state statutory rights. Ohio courts have recognized a narrow public policy exception to at-will employment but do not broadly imply good faith covenants in employment relationships. Claims must generally be brought within four years under the statute of limitations for breach of contract.
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 Ohio.