Wrongful Termination in Pennsylvania
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Pennsylvania recognizes wrongful termination for public policy violations and implied contracts; whistleblowers have statutory protection.
How Pennsylvania treats Wrongful Termination
Pennsylvania prohibits firing employees for jury duty, voting, military service, and filing workers' compensation claims. Courts recognize implied-in-fact contracts based on employer conduct, promises, or established practices. The state also protects whistleblowers who report illegal activity under common law and statutory provisions. At-will employment remains the default, but exceptions apply when termination violates public policy or contractual obligations.
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 Pennsylvania.