Do you offer a free consultation for startups?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation — no obligation, no pressure.

What legal services do you offer for startups and entrepreneurs?

We offer corporate formation, contract drafting, outside general counsel, IP protection, regulatory compliance, and investor agreement support for startups in Louisiana and nationally.

Do you handle divorce and child custody cases in Louisiana?

Yes. The Rhodes Law Firm provides compassionate family law representation including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, and adoption throughout Louisiana.

How much does a family law attorney cost in New Orleans?

The Rhodes Law Firm offers a free initial consultation so you can understand your options before making any financial commitment. Contact us at (504) 475-0975 to get started.

Where is The Rhodes Law Firm located?

The firm is based in New Orleans, Louisiana and serves clients statewide and nationally.

How do I contact The Rhodes Law Firm?

Call (504) 475-0975 or schedule a consultation at therhodeslawfirm.com.

What is wrongful termination in Louisiana?

Wrongful termination in Louisiana occurs when an employee is fired for an illegal reason despite Louisiana's at-will employment doctrine. Illegal reasons include: discrimination based on race, sex, disability, age, religion, or national origin; retaliation for protected activities (filing a complaint, reporting safety violations, taking FMLA leave); termination in violation of an employment contract; and termination violating Louisiana's whistleblower statutes.

Is Louisiana an at-will employment state?

Yes. Louisiana is an at-will employment state under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 23:1. This means an employer can generally terminate an employee for any reason or no reason at all — but NOT for an illegal reason. Federal law (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA) and Louisiana law create significant exceptions to at-will employment.

Can I be fired for filing a workers' compensation claim?

Louisiana Revised Statutes § 23:1361 prohibits employers from discharging or discriminating against employees for exercising their workers' compensation rights. Being fired shortly after filing a workers' comp claim raises a strong inference of illegal retaliation and may support a wrongful termination claim.

What evidence do I need for a wrongful termination claim?

Key evidence includes: documentation of your performance history (positive reviews, awards); evidence that the stated reason for termination is pretextual; comparator evidence (similarly situated employees treated more favorably); timing evidence (close proximity between protected activity and termination); witness statements; emails and texts; and the employer's policies and whether they were followed.

How long do I have to file a wrongful termination claim?

It depends on the basis: For discrimination-based wrongful termination, you must file an EEOC charge within 300 days in Louisiana. For FMLA retaliation, the statute of limitations is 2 years (or 3 years for willful violations). For breach of employment contract claims, Louisiana's prescriptive period applies. Consult an attorney immediately — these deadlines are unforgiving.

Can I sue my employer for wrongful termination?

Yes, if your termination violated federal or state law. Most federal employment discrimination claims require first filing an EEOC charge and receiving a right-to-sue letter. Other claims (FMLA, wage claims, contract claims) can be filed directly in court. An employment attorney can identify all viable claims and guide you through the process.

What damages can I recover for wrongful termination?

Recoverable damages include back pay (wages lost from termination to judgment), front pay (future lost earnings), compensatory damages (emotional distress), punitive damages (for egregious employer conduct), and attorney's fees and costs. Reinstatement may also be available. Damages caps apply under Title VII based on employer size.

What is pretextual termination?

Pretext occurs when an employer provides a false or inadequate reason for termination to conceal the true (illegal) reason. Examples include: fabricating performance issues that didn't exist before a complaint was filed; disciplining an employee for conduct others do without consequences; or changing the stated reason for termination multiple times.

Can I be fired for complaining about workplace conditions?

Complaining about discrimination, harassment, or certain safety violations is a 'protected activity' under federal and Louisiana law. An employer who fires you for engaging in protected activity has committed illegal retaliation. Protected activities include reporting harassment to HR, filing an EEOC charge, testifying in a workplace investigation, and reporting OSHA violations.

What should I do immediately after being wrongfully terminated?

1) Preserve all evidence — emails, texts, performance reviews, handbook; 2) Do not sign any severance agreement without legal review; 3) File for unemployment benefits; 4) Keep a detailed written account of events; 5) Contact an employment attorney promptly — the 300-day EEOC deadline begins immediately if discrimination is involved.

Employment Law

Wrongful Termination Lawyer — Louisiana

Serving New Orleans, Metairie, Jefferson Parish & St. Charles Parish

Louisiana is an at-will employment state, but employers cannot fire employees for illegal reasons. Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired because of discrimination (race, sex, age, disability, religion), in retaliation for protected activities (reporting harassment, filing complaints, taking FMLA), or in violation of an employment contract. Employees may be entitled to back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees.

Written & Reviewed By

Jonathan M. Rhodes

Attorney at Law — The Rhodes Law Firm

Practice Areas: Employment Law — Wrongful Termination · Last Updated: September 28, 2026

Serving: Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana

When Is a Termination Wrongful in Louisiana?

Louisiana's at-will rule allows employers broad discretion — but federal and state law carve out significant exceptions that protect employees from being fired for illegal reasons. A termination is wrongful when it violates:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

Prohibits termination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Prohibits firing employees because of a disability or perceived disability.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

Prohibits discrimination against employees age 40 and older.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Prohibits firing employees for taking protected FMLA leave.

Anti-Retaliation Provisions

Prohibits firing employees for reporting discrimination, filing EEOC charges, or whistleblowing.

Louisiana Human Rights Act

Mirrors federal protections and provides additional state-law remedies.

Workers' Compensation Retaliation

La. R.S. 23:1361 — cannot fire for filing a workers' comp claim.

Employment Contract Violation

Firing an employee in breach of a written or implied employment contract.

Speak With a Wrongful Termination Attorney

Jonathan M. Rhodes provides free, confidential consultations for employees who believe they were fired illegally. Serving New Orleans, Metairie, and Southeast Louisiana.

Schedule a Consultation (504) 475-0975

Attorney Commentary: What I See in Wrongful Termination Cases

"The most common pattern I see is the employer who gives a performance-related reason for the termination — but the employee had glowing reviews for years until they reported a problem, filed a complaint, or took leave. That timing gap tells the real story. The key is acting fast: preserve your documentation, don't sign anything, and call an attorney before the EEOC deadline closes your options."

— Jonathan M. Rhodes, Attorney at Law

Related Employment Law Resources

Workplace Discrimination Attorney

Discrimination as a basis for termination.

Workplace Retaliation Claims

Fired for protected activity.

EEOC Claims — Filing & Process

How to file an EEOC charge.

FMLA Claims

Fired while on medical leave.

Was I Wrongfully Terminated?

Analyze the facts of your firing.

Employment Law Hub

All employment law services.

Wrongful Termination in Louisiana — FAQ

Protect Your Workplace Rights

Free consultation. Do not sign a severance agreement or miss the EEOC deadline without speaking to an attorney.

Schedule a Free Consultation (504) 475-0975