Q: Do I have a claim for wrongful termination after reporting fraud and being terminated?
I reported timecard fraud to the director on 02/20/25. On 02/24/25, I terminated the employee involved in the fraud. The official reason for my firing on 02/28/25 was "ethical conduct outside the office," though no specifics were given, nor had I previous performance issues or policy violations. Before my firing, I was questioned on 02/24/25 about using a derogatory term while telling a story to a family advocate. The advocate ceased employment on 02/25/25, and I was asked on 02/26/25 if I’d attend a conference. I have emails and texts documenting these events. Do I have a claim for wrongful termination due to reporting the fraud?
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A:
It sounds like you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim, especially if you believe your firing was a retaliatory action for reporting timecard fraud. In many states, including those with at-will employment laws, an employee is protected from retaliation for reporting illegal activities like fraud, and firing someone in response to such a report could be considered wrongful termination.
The timing of your firing after reporting the fraud and your involvement in the termination of the employee involved raises questions. Additionally, the lack of clear reasons for your firing and the absence of prior performance issues may support your case. If your termination was linked to your whistleblowing activity, it may constitute retaliation, which is prohibited under whistleblower protection laws.
To move forward, it would be helpful to review the documentation you have, including emails and texts, as they could provide strong evidence of the timeline and the circumstances surrounding your firing. You may want to consult with an attorney to assess your claim and discuss potential next steps for seeking redress for wrongful termination.
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