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Your Ohio Wrongful Termination Lawyer

You Have Rights if You were Wrongfully Terminated - Nilges Draher LLC Will Protect Them

"My rights were defended. I would highly recommend them."

– Vince C.

You work hard. You take your job seriously. That’s why it’s so upsetting when you’re fired for an illegal reason. Knowing what to do in this situation can be difficult and confusing.

That’s why it’s critical that you talk to an Ohio wrongful termination lawyer as soon as possible. But it’s important to speak to the right expert. You need a lawyer who thoroughly understands how to protect your rights. You need a lawyer who knows the state and federal employment laws. You need someone with a proven track record of holding employers accountable for their actions. You need Nilges Draher LLC.

Our wrongful termination lawyers have represented thousands of workers in state and federal courts throughout the country. In five years, our lawyers have recovered millions (and counting) for employees in Ohio and nationwide. If you have been terminated, contact us for your free case evaluation with a member of our legal team.

What is Wrongful Termination?

Even though Ohio is an at-will employment state, employers do not have a free pass to violate your legal rights. Employers are obligated to follow the state and federal employment laws.

Wrongful termination refers to a firing that violates state or federal employment laws. A wrongful termination can also occur if it implicates an important public policy. In general, employers can be held responsible if they terminated you for the following unlawful reasons:
Being a member of a protected class, which includes race, gender, national origin, religion, age, military status, or disability, among others
Engaging in protected activity, such as taking leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, filing a Workers’ Compensation claim, reporting safety violations or fraudulent business practices, or refusing to engage in illegal activity
In retaliation for reporting discriminatory behavior or engaging in other protected activities

Understanding At-Will Employment in Ohio

Ohio is an at-will employment state, which means employers can fire employees for almost any reason, or no reason at all, as long as it is not illegal. However, there are important exceptions to this rule:

Employers cannot fire you in retaliation for reporting legal violations or asserting your rights.

Termination cannot be based on discrimination related to race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics.

Employers must honor employment contracts if an agreement is in place.

If your termination falls under any of these exceptions, you may have a wrongful termination claim. Consulting with an Ohio employment lawyer can help clarify your rights and options.

What Are Examples of Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination can take many forms, but the key factor is that the termination violates state or federal employment laws. Here are some common wrongful termination examples from cases we have worked on in Ohio:

Retaliation After Reporting Misconduct – An employee reports illegal activities, such as financial fraud, workplace harassment, or safety violations, and is fired shortly afterward.

Discrimination-Based Termination – An employee is let go due to their race, gender, age, disability, or another protected characteristic, rather than performance or behavior.

Termination for Taking Medical or Family Leave – An employer fires an employee for taking legally protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Firing After Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim – An employee who suffers a workplace injury and files a claim for benefits is terminated in retaliation.

Breach of Employment Contract – If an employer fires an employee despite an existing contract that guarantees job security, this can be grounds for wrongful termination.

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, it is crucial to consult an employment attorney who can assess your case and help you take legal action. Call Nilges Draher LLC at 216-230-2955 for a free case review.

Specifically, many wrongful termination cases involve:

Discrimination on the basis of:

Race
Gender
Gender Identity
Pregnancy
National Origin
Age
Religion
Disability
Military status

Employees on medical leave
Employees who have medical restrictions
Employees on maternity leave
Employees deployed for military service
Retaliation against employees who filed a complaint against the employer
Retaliation against employees who filed for workers’ compensation after an injury

If you have been terminated, contact Nilges Draher LLC. We can help. We can explain the law that applies to your circumstances. We can tell you whether you have a wrongful termination claim. We can explain your options.

Employment issues we often deal with at our firm

Our law firm has extensive experience with all of these issues in Ohio. In particular, we often hear from people concerned about the following issues or questions surrounding wrongful termination:

Are You Being Set Up to Be Fired? Signs and Legal Protections in Ohio

Ohio follows at-will employment laws, meaning that, in most cases, an employer can terminate an employee without reason. However, there are exceptions. If you believe your employer is laying the groundwork to fire you unfairly—especially in retaliation for asserting your rights—you may have legal options.

Common Signs You Are Being Set Up for Termination

Sudden negative performance reviews despite a history of good performance.

Unrealistic expectations or workload increases meant to make you fail.

Exclusion from meetings or key projects that you previously handled.

A shift in company policy that appears targeted at you specifically.

Pressure to resign or being told your role is being eliminated, only to see it reposted.

Even under at-will employment laws, termination cannot be used as a form of retaliation or discrimination. If you suspect you are being targeted, gathering evidence—such as emails, performance reviews, and witness statements—can be critical in proving your case.

Wrongful termination is a serious legal matter. That’s why it’s important to get legal help as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Termination in Ohio

1. What qualifies as wrongful termination in Ohio?

Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee in violation of state or federal laws, such as firing due to discrimination, retaliation, or breach of an employment contract.

2. How do I prove retaliation at work?

You can prove retaliation by documenting adverse actions taken after engaging in a legally protected activity. This includes performance reviews, witness testimonies, emails, and other workplace communications.

3. Can I sue my employer for wrongful termination in Ohio?

Yes, if you were fired for illegal reasons such as retaliation or discrimination, you may be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit.

4. How long do I have to file a wrongful termination claim in Ohio?

The statute of limitations depends on the type of claim. For discrimination-based claims, you typically have 180 days to file with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.

5. How can a wrongful termination lawyer help me?

A wrongful termination attorney can evaluate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with your employer, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to seek compensation or reinstatement.

Why Choose Our Ohio Wrongful Termination Attorneys?

If you’re facing wrongful termination due to retaliation or unfair workplace treatment, you don’t have to fight alone. Our employment law attorneys serve clients in Columbus, Cleveland, and North Canton, OH, and are dedicated to protecting workers' rights. We provide personalized legal guidance and aggressive representation to ensure your voice is heard.

We will fight for your rights

We know how traumatic it can be to lose a job, especially if it was for an unlawful reason. Chances are, your employer has a team of expensive lawyers ready to fight for your employer and defend its decision to fire you. Let us fight for your rights. Let us help you put your life back together.

Put your trust in an experienced wrongful termination law team who puts your needs first. Contact us right now and schedule your free case evaluation with our law firm today.

Wrongful Termination