Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, which means most firings — even the ones that feel deeply unjust — are technically legal. But “at-will” is not unlimited. Federal and Pennsylvania law carve out specific categories of unlawful termination, and when an employer fires you for one of those reasons, you have the right to seek lost wages and damages under the law.
The most common categories of unlawful termination involve your protected characteristics — race, gender, age, disability, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation — or engaging in protected activity, such as whistleblowing, opposing unpaid wages, reporting harassment, taking medical leave, filing a workers’ compensation claim, or refusing to break the law.
Identifying which legal theory applies — and proving it with the right evidence — is the difference between a strong case and one that gets dismissed early. A free consultation walks through your situation and identifies which protections apply.
An unlawful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for reasons that violate federal or Pennsylvania employment laws. The most common patterns we see in Western PA workplaces:
A clear path from the moment you reach out to the moment your case is resolved — with you informed at every step.
Call 412.819.1462 to schedule your free consultation. We'll listen to your story, ask the right questions, and give you a clear sense of where you stand — before you commit to anything.
During the consultation, we'll review your situation and explore your legal options. We'll explain the law in plain language, walk through what's at stake, and identify every claim worth pursuing.
Once we identify the best path forward, we begin advocating for you — firmly, strategically, and without delay. You focus on your future. Kyle handles the fight.
Questions Kyle hears every week from Pittsburgh workers. Don’t see yours? Reach out — the first call is free.
If you believe you were terminated due to discrimination, retaliation, or another unlawful reason, you may have a case. The best first step is a free consultation so we can review the facts.
We offer free initial consultations. Depending on your case, we may work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
Contact Steenland Law first to identify your options. We’ll review how you can document every incident in detail, including dates, times, and witnesses.
Retaliation for reporting discrimination, harassment, or illegal activity is unlawful. If you were punished for speaking up, you may have a claim.
Deadlines vary depending on the type of claim. In Pennsylvania, some workplace claims must be filed within strict windows, as little as 30 days, so it’s important to act quickly.
About an hour of your time. We walk through your facts, identify every potential claim, and tell you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing — even when the answer is no.
The information you submit through this form is confidential and privileged.