In nearly all circumstances, an employer in Hawaii is allowed to fire an employee for any reason. Hawaii is an at-will employment state, meaning its employment law places few limitations on hiring and firing. However, there are a few cases in which an employer's reasons for firing an employee are illegal, resulting in grounds for a wrongful termination case. Charles H. Brower Law Corporation in Honolulu, HI, can help you sue your employer for wrongful termination if your case includes one of these essential elements.

The Elements of a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit

1. Violates a Contract

If your contract with your employer lists conditions or limitations on employment termination, and those conditions aren't fulfilled, your employer's breach of contract may be grounds for a wrongful termination suit. For example, your contract may have specified a certain period of employment, preventing your employer from terminating it before that time. Even if you don't have a written contract, verbal contracts are often legally enforceable, so consult with an attorney to see whether your case has merit.

2. Violates Anti-Discrimination Laws

There are a few classes of people who are legally protected from discrimination. While this protection doesn't prevent termination on other grounds, you cannot be fired solely for your gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, race, skin color, national origin, pregnancy, disability, or marital status.

3. Violates Public Policy

As an employee, you are protected from retaliation for exercising a legal right, refusing to complete an illegal act, or reporting illegal actions. Missing work for jury duty, reporting workplace harassment and hostile conditions, and requesting workers' compensation are all actions you are specifically allowed, or even required, to take, and for which your employer may not fire you.

If your termination falls under any of these three categories, you have a wrongful termination case. Contact Charles H. Brower Law Corporation at (808) 526-2688 or visit them online to explore your options.