McNair Law Offices, PLLC | Attorneys and Counselors at Law

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McNair Law Offices, PLLC | Attorneys and Counselors at Law
814-616-7499
Pursuing My Clients’ Interests
For Over 40 Years

Experienced Wrongful Termination Attorney In Erie, Pennsylvania

Being fired can turn your life upside down. When it happens without a clear reason—or right after you speak up—it can feel humiliating, stressful, and unfair. Many workers in Erie are left asking the same questions: Was this legal? Do I have any options?

At McNair Law Offices, PLLC, Attorney Timothy McNair represents employees in Erie and throughout Warren County, McKean County, and Crawford County who believe they were fired for an unlawful reason. With decades of experience, he looks closely at what happened, identifies legal violations, and fights for fair outcomes when an employer crosses the line.

What Counts as Wrongful Termination in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is an “at-will” employment state. This means that, generally, an employer can end your job for almost any reason, or no reason at all. However, there are important exceptions. Employers cannot fire you for reasons that are illegal or against public policy.

Wrongful termination happens when an employer fires an employee for an unlawful reason. This might include:

  • Discrimination: Being fired because of your race, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin, or other protected characteristics.
  • Retaliation: Losing your job because you reported workplace misconduct, filed a complaint about discrimination, or spoke up about illegal activities.
  • Breach of Contract: Being terminated in a way that breaks the terms of your employment contract or company handbook.
  • Exercising Legal Rights: Being terminated for taking protected medical leave (like FMLA), filing a workers’ compensation claim, or refusing to do something illegal.

Many wrongful termination cases follow a pattern. You might have been fired shortly after complaining about harassment or asking questions about unpaid wages. Identifying these patterns early is critical.

What Claims Can Be Filed And What Should You Do Next?

Wrongful termination cases are not all the same. The right claim depends on the reason you were fired and what evidence exists. Attorney McNair handles employment matters involving discrimination, retaliation, wage disputes, and contract-related issues tied to termination.

If you believe your termination was illegal, the steps you take now can make or break your case. Here’s what you can do:

  • Save your documents. Keep copies of your employment contract, employee handbook, emails, text messages, performance reviews, and any written warnings.
  • Write down what happened. Create a timeline of events leading up to your firing. Include dates, conversations, and the names of anyone who witnessed what happened.
  • Don’t sign anything yet. Employers often ask terminated workers to sign severance agreements or releases. These documents can give up your right to sue. Have an employment attorney review any paperwork before you sign.
  • Get legal help quickly. Strict deadlines apply to wrongful termination claims. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to take action.

Where Do You File And What Compensation May Be Available?

There are specific time limits for filing a wrongful termination claim, and missing them can prevent you from seeking justice. Depending on the details of your case, you might file with:

  • The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Federal claims, such as those involving discrimination, generally have a deadline of 300 days from the date of termination.
  • The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC): State-level claims in Pennsylvania typically have a 180-day deadline.

If your case succeeds, compensation may include:

  • Back pay for wages lost since your termination
  • Future lost earnings if you cannot find comparable work
  • Compensation for emotional distress caused by the illegal firing
  • Your job back (reinstatement) or payment instead of reinstatement (front pay)
  • Attorney fees and court costs

These remedies are designed to address not only your financial losses but also the broader impact that an unlawful termination has had on your life.

Protect Your Rights With The Right Legal Support

Employment law has deadlines, rules, and paperwork that can be hard to manage when you are already under stress. Attorney McNair works directly with clients to understand what happened, gather the right proof, and pursue a resolution through negotiation—or litigation when needed.

Contact McNair Law Offices, PLLC by calling 814-616-7499 or completing the online contact form to take the next step in protecting your rights. Attorney McNair proudly represents clients throughout Erie and surrounding Pennsylvania communities.