What is the difference between wrongful termination and breach of contract?

Wrongful termination and breach of contract are two different legal concepts. Wrongful termination occurs when an employer terminates an employee’s employment in violation of the employee’s legal rights. Depending upon the circumstances, it could be considered a discrimination, retaliation, or other kind of wrongful termination claim. Breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill their obligations under a contract, resulting in damages for the other party. In Washington, wrongful termination claims are governed by a combination of federal, state and local laws. Employees who believe their termination may have violated one of these laws may have a claim for wrongful termination. Employees who have a written or implied employment agreement may have a breach of contract claim if their employer failed to abide by the terms of that agreement. An employee could have both a wrongful termination and breach of contract claim, depending upon the circumstances. For example, if a contract guarantees an employee a certain length of employment, and the employee is terminated without cause before the term is up, the employee may be able to bring a claim for breach of contract as well as a wrongful termination claim. It is important to understand the differences between wrongful termination and breach of contract when making a legal claim. An employment lawyer in Washington can provide guidance on which laws may be applicable in each situation.

Related FAQs

Are employers allowed to fire employees at will?
What are the most common causes of wrongful termination?
What is the difference between wrongful termination and constructive dismissal?
How do I know if I have a wrongful termination case?
What is the difference between wrongful termination and involuntary termination?
What types of damages can I receive if I am wrongfully terminated?
Can I be wrongfully terminated for reporting workplace harassment or discrimination?
How can I protect myself from wrongful termination?
How long does a wrongful termination case take to resolve?
What is the difference between being laid off and wrongfully terminated?

What is the difference between wrongful termination and breach of contract?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts