Wrongful Termination in Tennessee
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Tennessee recognizes narrow public policy exceptions to at-will employment, primarily for jury duty, military service, and statutory violations.
How Tennessee treats Wrongful Termination
Tennessee follows at-will employment but permits wrongful termination claims when an employer fires an employee for performing a legal duty, such as serving on jury duty or in the military. The state also protects workers fired in retaliation for reporting illegal conduct or refusing to commit unlawful acts. Tennessee courts have been cautious about expanding public policy exceptions beyond these specific categories. Claims must show the termination directly conflicted with a clearly established public policy, not merely that the employer acted unfairly.
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 Tennessee.