Maryland is an at-will employment jurisdiction; therefore, in the absence of an express contract, agreement, or policy to the contrary, either the employer or the employee may terminate the employment relationship with or without cause, and with or without notice.
As noted above, Maryland law allows wrongful termination claims when the firing was based on a clear violation of public policy. Some examples of employee terminations that could violate public policy include: Employees who refuse to work in an unsafe environment.
While multimillion awards are possible, it is crucial to keep in mind that federal laws limit the amount of punitive and compensatory damages awarded in cases involving wrongful termination. They cannot exceed $50,000 – $300,000, depending on the number of employees working for the employer's business.
In the state of Maryland, you cannot terminate an employee for the following reasons: Their age, race, gender, national origin, religion, marital status, or disability. They have filed a workers' compensation claim. They have demanded payment of overtime wages or other wages they may be owed.
Your termination could be wrongful if your employer fired you: Due to discrimination. In violation of a federal or state labor law. Because you reported and refused to participate in harassment.
Your termination could be wrongful if your employer fired you: Due to discrimination. In violation of a federal or state labor law. Because you reported and refused to participate in harassment.