What is the difference between wrongful termination and wrongful discharge?

Wrongful termination and wrongful discharge are two terms used to describe the same type of claim - that an employee was illegally let go from their job. The term ‘wrongful termination’ is used when an employee is fired in violation of an employment contract, or state law. In Washington State, there are five main ways an employee can have a valid wrongful termination claim: if the employee was fired due to discrimination or harassment, if the employee was fired in violation of a legitimate public policy, if the employee was fired in violation of an implied contract, if the employee was fired in retaliation for engaging in a legally protected activity, or if the employee was fired for refusing to do something illegal. The term ‘wrongful discharge’ is used when an employee is fired for reasons that violate public policy. In Washington State, this could include firing an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim, participating in jury duty, or for exercising any other legally protected rights. The key difference between wrongful termination and wrongful discharge is that wrongful termination claims focus on a breach of contract or state law, while wrongful discharge claims focus on the violation of public policy. Both types of claims are treated similarly in Washington State, however, with the employee being able to file a civil suit against their employer in order to receive damages.

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What is the difference between wrongful termination and wrongful discharge?

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