Public policy violations in the context of wrongful termination refer to situations where an employee is fired for reasons that go against the well-established public policies of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These policies are designed to protect the public good and ensure that employees are not punished for acting in accordance with the law or in the interest of the general public.
Some common examples of public policy violations in wrongful termination cases include:
- Refusing to Commit an Illegal Act: If an employer asks an employee to engage in illegal activities, such as falsifying documents, committing fraud, or violating environmental regulations, and the employee refuses and is subsequently fired, this may be considered a violation of public policy.
- Exercising a Legal Right: Employees have certain legal rights, such as the right to take family or medical leave, the right to file a workers' compensation claim, or the right to serve on a jury. If an employee is terminated for exercising these rights, it may be a violation of public policy.
- Reporting Illegal Activities (Whistleblowing): If an employee reports illegal activities or violations of the law by their employer to the appropriate authorities and is then fired in retaliation, this may be considered a public policy violation.
- Complying with a Subpoena: If an employee is subpoenaed to testify in a legal proceeding and is subsequently terminated for complying with the subpoena, this may be a violation of public policy.
- Engaging in Legal Off-Duty Conduct: In some cases, an employee may be wrongfully terminated for engaging in legal activities outside of work, such as political activism or smoking tobacco, which may be considered a violation of public policy.
It's important to note that public policy violations can be complex and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. At the Lamberton Law Firm, our knowledgeable employment law attorneys can help you determine if your termination was a violation of public policy and guide you through the legal process to seek the compensation and justice you deserve. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated due to a public policy violation, contact our firm today for a free consultation.