If you were fired based on discrimination or in retaliation for asserting your legal rights, you might have been wrongfully terminated.

But just because you were fired doesn’t mean you were wrongfully terminated. Most employment arrangements in Michigan are at will. This means an employee or employer can terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason (or for no reason).

However, at-will employees are protected from being fired under certain circumstances. Discrimination based on race, gender, nationality, religion, marital status, age, disability, and other protected classes is illegal. Under federal law and Michigan’s Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, the reason for termination can’t be based on an employee being a member of a protected class.

If you’re fired for filing a complaint or asserting your rights, you may have a valid wrongful termination claim based on retaliation.