Wrongful Termination in South Carolina
State-specific overview · Employment Law
South Carolina follows strict at-will employment; wrongful termination claims require violation of explicit statute or clear public policy.
How South Carolina treats Wrongful Termination
South Carolina recognizes wrongful termination only when firing violates a specific statute (such as workers' compensation retaliation) or a well-established public policy like jury duty. The state does not recognize implied contracts or good faith exceptions to at-will employment. Courts interpret public policy narrowly, requiring clear statutory or constitutional support. Employees have limited grounds for wrongful termination claims compared to many other 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 South Carolina.