When wrongful termination is established, an employee then has the right to sue his/her former employer for damages. This includes the loss of wage and "fringe" benefits, and, if against "public policy," additionally, for punitive damages. To bring a wrongful termination suit the discharge of the employee must have been without "good cause". The employee must have had an express contract of continued employment or there must have been an "implied" contract based on the circumstances of his/her hiring or legitimate reasons to believe the employment would be permanent. Also there may be a violation of statutory prohibitions against discrimination due to race, gender, sexual preference or age, or the discharge was contrary to "public policy" such as in retribution for exposing dishonest acts of the employer. An employee who believes he/she is the victim of a wrongful termination may bring an action for damages, as well as for breach of contract.
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