Las Vegas Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Losing your job can be one of the most stressful experiences a person faces, especially when you believe your employer fired you illegally. While Nevada is generally considered an at-will employment state, employers cannot terminate employees for unlawful reasons. If your dismissal violated state or federal employment laws, you may have the right to pursue compensation and other legal remedies.
At Holtz Matthews LLP, we understand the financial and emotional impact that wrongful termination can have on individuals and their families. Our legal team helps employees throughout Las Vegas, evaluate their rights, gather evidence, and pursue claims against employers who violate workplace protections. Whether your termination involved discrimination, retaliation, harassment, or another unlawful motive, we are prepared to advocate for your interests.
To talk with us privately about what happened, you can call (818) 791-0555 at any time.
We provide a trusted space to discuss your case openly, while also safeguarding your rights, maintaining your dignity and offering the legal expertise necessary to pursue justice.
What is Considered Wrongful Termination?
Nevada is an "at-will" employment state. This means that, in general, an employer can terminate an employee at any time, with or without a specific reason, and with or without advance notice. Likewise, an employee is free to leave their job at any time.
However, "at-will" employment is not an absolute license for employers to act maliciously or illegally. Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for reasons that violate federal law, Nevada state statutes, or established public policy. An employer cannot use "at-will" status as a shield to disguise discrimination, retaliation, or a breach of an existing employment contract. If your firing violated a protected legal category, a contractual agreement, or your basic civil rights, it crosses the line from a standard layoff or firing into an illegal wrongful termination.
Examples of Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination can take many different forms depending on the workplace environment and the motives of management. Some of the most common examples of illegal firing that our legal team handles include:
- Discrimination based on protected traits: Firing an employee due to their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age (40 and over), religion, disability, or pregnancy status.
- Retaliation for whistleblowing: Discharging an employee because they reported illegal activities, safety violations (such as OSHA infractions), or fraudulent financial practices occurring within the company.
- Filing a Workers’ Compensation claim: Terminating an employee simply because they experienced an on-the-job injury and exercised their legal right to seek workers' compensation benefits.
- Exercising protected leave rights: Firing an individual for taking legally protected medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or for fulfilling military or jury duty obligations.
- Opposing workplace harassment or discrimination: Discharging a worker because they filed an internal HR complaint or an official charge with a government agency regarding sexual harassment or a hostile work environment.
- Breach of employment contract: Firing an employee in direct violation of a written, oral, or implied contract that explicitly outlines job security or specific termination protocols.
Nevada & Federal Laws Against Wrongful Termination
Employee protections in Las Vegas are governed by a robust framework of both state and federal statutes. Understanding these laws is critical to building a winning case against a powerful employer.
Federal Protections
At the federal level, several landmark pieces of legislation shield workers from discriminatory and retaliatory practices:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), this statute prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Protects qualified individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities from discriminatory firing and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations.
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Protects workers who are 40 years of age or older from being pushed out of their roles due to their age.
Nevada State Protections
Nevada law provides additional protections that often expand upon federal baselines:
- Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 613: This comprehensive state law mirrors and expands federal protections, explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and the lawful use of consumer products outside of work hours (such as legal cannabis usage, with certain safety exceptions).
- Public Policy Exceptions: Nevada courts recognize a common-law tort for wrongful termination in violation of public policy. This applies when an employee is fired for refusing to perform an illegal act, or for performing a public duty (like voting or cooperating with a law enforcement investigation).
At Holtz Matthews LLP, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
"Jordan is Extremely Helpful."We must have spoken to 7 different lawyers and Jordan had the best information and most concise plan of action. You can tell he is very knowledgeable in his field.Former Client
-
"Michael is an outstanding attorney."
I have the highest regard for his capabilities.
Former Client -
"Hard working, extremely diligent litigator"
Highest ethical and moral standards and someone who actually cares about his clients. In my experience, these are attributes often lacking from Los Angeles litigators.
Former Client -
"Michael is a true gem!"In the very first five minutes of our conversation about my case, it was evident that Michael is different. We hadn't even started, and Michael was on the case, so well prepared, and so familiar with every aspect of the situation. Michael's informed perspective and knowledge of the industry is clear in every assessment he makes, and his wealth of experience saved me from many potential disasters. I am truly grateful to Michael for his generosity, and for him patiently and clearly explaining the important strategic details that ensured the success of my case.Former Client
-
"Jordan is a skilled and enthusiastic lawyer that I have had the pleasure of working closely with."I recommend Jordan to anyone who is seeking legal advice in Entertainment.Fellow Attorney in Community
Partner With a Dedicated Las Vegas Wrongful Termination Attorney
Corporate employers have human resource departments and corporate defense lawyers whose sole objective is to protect the company's bottom line. You deserve an equally aggressive legal advocate standing in your corner to protect your rights, your family, and your career.
At Holtz Matthews LLP, we handle employment law cases with compassion for the worker and relentless determination against unlawful employers. We operate on a customized approach, ensuring that your story is heard and that your financial losses are thoroughly calculated.
Do not let an unlawful firing derail your future. Let us review your case, explain your rights under Nevada law, and help you take the first step toward justice.
To talk with our team confidentially about your experience, call (818) 791-0555.
-
$65M RESULT
Client was the primary witness for the Wall Street Journal expose, entitled, "Dozens of People Recount Pattern of Sexual Misconduct by Las Vegas Mogul Steve Wynn", resulting in $55 million in fines levied against the company, a $10 million fine against Steve Wynn, and his removal from the gaming industry. The Nevada Gaming Control Board also changed its rules governing gaming licensees.
-
$6.8M Result
Client was harassed and manipulated by high-level casino executives and forced to facilitate trafficking of women. The matter was resolved for a high seven-figure sum.
-
$2.5M Result
Client was groped and propositioned by a top-level executive of a large multi-national company. The matter was resolved for a multi seven-figure sum.
-
$2.4M Result
Client who worked for highly successful celebrity was discriminated against and harassed by company. The matter was resolved for multi seven-figure sum.
-
$2.1M Result
Client, a female executive for a major studio and production company, was harassed and sexually assaulted by her male superiors. The matter was resolved for a multi seven-figure sum.
What to Expect During a Wrongful Termination Case
Pursuing a legal claim against a former employer requires a systematic, strategic approach. When you partner with a Las Vegas wrongful termination lawyer at Holtz Matthews LLP, we walk you through every stage of the legal process so you know exactly what to expect.
1. Initial Case Evaluation and Strategy
We start with an in-depth consultation to analyze the timeline of events leading up to your discharge. We will review performance evaluations, emails, text messages, employee handbooks, and termination letters to determine the strength of your claim.
2. Administrative Filings (EEOC or NERC)
For claims involving discrimination or harassment, you generally cannot file a lawsuit immediately. We must first file an official charge of discrimination with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Nevada Equal Rights Commission (NERC). These agencies will investigate your claim and may attempt to mediate a resolution.
3. The Litigation Phase
If the administrative process does not resolve the issue, we will secure a "Right to Sue" letter. From there, our legal team will file a formal complaint in either Nevada state court or federal court. This initiates the discovery phase, where we compel your former employer to hand over internal emails, witness statements, and personnel records that reveal their true motives.
4. Settlement vs. Trial
Many wrongful termination claims are resolved through aggressive negotiations or formal mediation before reaching a courtroom. However, if the insurance company or corporate defense team refuses to offer a fair settlement that covers your losses, Holtz Matthews LLP is fully prepared to take your case to trial to fight for a jury verdict.
frequently asked questions
-
Can I represent myself in a wrongful termination lawsuit in Nevada?
While you can legally represent yourself, it’s generally not advisable. Employment law is complex. An experienced attorney can level the playing field and significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.
-
How can I protect myself from retaliation after filing a wrongful termination claim?
Document all interactions with your former employer. Report any instances of harassment or further adverse actions to your attorney and the appropriate authorities. Nevada law prohibits retaliation for pursuing your rights.
-
How much can I expect to recover in a wrongful termination lawsuit in Nevada?
The potential recovery in a wrongful termination case varies significantly. Factors include lost wages, emotional distress, benefits, and potential punitive damages. Each case is unique.
