Q: Can I get fired for getting into a physical fight at work in Minnesota?
I am Hispanic and my English is not that good. A crew member came up to me and he had something to me that I did not understand so I was telling him I don’t understand and that to repeat himself. He got upset and started cussing at me and shoved me. I physically reached out to him from getting to close and he had punched me and I had to defend myself from there. A team lead was near by and he did not stop the guy whatsoever when I attempted to stop him. I was immediately terminated next day because of it. Found out that Team Lead has been showing everyone at the workplace, the video of the fight. Can I get unemployment and can I sue?
A: Minnesota is an at will employment state. That means that unless you have a contract stating otherwise, you can be terminated for any reason (aside from membership in a protected class) or even for no reason at all.
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