Colorado Wrongful Termination Laws
Termination of employment can have significant professional and financial consequences. Colorado wrongful termination laws protect employees from being terminated for unlawful reasons, including discrimination, retaliation, or violation of public policy.
At Elkus & Sisson, P.C., our Colorado employment law attorneys represent individuals across the state, including Denver, Greenwood Village, Lakewood, Aurora, and the Denver-metro area, whose employment rights have been infringed. We provide strategic guidance to pursue administrative remedies or civil litigation to recover damages and enforce workplace protections.
Legal Framework for Wrongful Termination in Colorado
Colorado is an at-will employment jurisdiction, allowing employers to terminate employees at any time, for any lawful reason. However, exceptions exist under state and federal law, and certain terminations are unlawful.
Termination may be considered wrongful if it occurs because of:
- Discrimination against protected characteristics such as race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.
- Retaliation for asserting statutory rights, reporting misconduct, or participating in investigations
- Violation of public policy, such as termination for filing a workers’ compensation claim, serving on a jury, or taking protected leave under the FMLA or FAMLI Act
- Breach of an employment contract or company policy that guarantees certain protections
Wrongful termination claims often overlap with other employment law matters, including workplace discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliation.
Common Scenarios Constituting Wrongful Termination
Termination may be deemed wrongful in a variety of circumstances:
Discrimination-Related Termination
Termination based on an employee’s protected characteristics may give rise to claims under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Retaliatory Termination
An employer may not terminate an employee for exercising legal rights, reporting unlawful activity, or cooperating with internal or governmental investigations. Such actions constitute retaliation under both state and federal law.
Violation of Public Policy
Terminating an employee for actions consistent with public policy, including refusing to engage in illegal conduct, filing a workers’ compensation claim, or taking leave under the FMLA or FAMLI Act, may be actionable.
Breach of Contract
A termination that contravenes the terms of an express or implied employment contract may give rise to claims for breach of contract in addition to statutory protections.
How Our Attorneys Assist
At Elkus & Sisson, P.C., we understand the legal complexities and ramifications of wrongful termination. Our Colorado employment lawyers assist clients by:
- Evaluating whether the termination constitutes a violation of state or federal law
- Filing claims with the CCRD or EEOC as appropriate
- Preserving evidence, including employment records, communications, and witness statements
- Negotiating settlements or pursuing litigation to recover lost wages, benefits, and other damages
We handle every case according to its specific circumstances and provide guidance through administrative proceedings, mediation, or trial.
Steps to Take if You Were Wrongfully Terminated
- Document everything: Save emails, texts, and notes regarding your termination.
- Report internally: Follow company HR procedures if it is safe.
- File a complaint: Submit claims with the CCRD or EEOC within deadlines.
- Speak with an attorney: Engage a qualified employment attorney prior to signing any severance or settlement agreements..
Meet Our Colorado Employment Law Attorneys
At Elkus & Sisson, P.C., our attorneys represent employees throughout Denver, Greenwood Village, Lakewood, Aurora, and the broader Denver-metro area. From wrongful termination and wage disputes to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, our Colorado employment lawyers combine courtroom experience with comprehensive knowledge of state and federal employment statutes to protect your professional and financial interests.
Donald Sisson
Reid Elkus
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Schedule a Consultation
If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, contact us today. Call 303-529-8552 or reach out online to schedule a consultation with an experienced Colorado employment attorney. We will assess your claim, explain your legal rights under Colorado wrongful termination laws, and help you pursue the appropriate remedies.
