Wrongful Termination in Virginia
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Virginia follows at-will employment; wrongful termination claims require violation of public policy or breach of written contract.
How Virginia treats Wrongful Termination
Virginia is a strict at-will employment state, meaning employers can fire workers for any reason or no reason unless a statute, public policy, or written contract says otherwise. Wrongful termination claims typically succeed only when an employee is fired for jury duty, voting, reporting safety violations, or similar protected activities. Virginia courts rarely recognize implied contracts or oral promises as enforceable employment agreements.
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 Virginia.