SOUTH CAROLINA LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAWYER

In South Carolina, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate on the basis of characteristics including:

• Race
• Religion
• Color
• Sex (including pregnancy and childbirth)
• Age (for those 40 and older)
• National Origin
• Disability

Note that this standard doesn’t apply only to employees: Refusing an applicant based on these characteristics is also considered discrimination.

South Carolina is an “at-will” employment state, which means that the working relationship between an employee and an employer can be terminated at any time and for almost any reason. There are exceptions to the at-will standard, however. 

Some reasons don’t qualify as grounds for termination in South Carolina. For example:

• Discrimination: You can’t be terminated on the basis of any of the protected characteristics listed above.
• Retaliation: An employer can’t fire you in retaliation for filing a worker’s compensation claim or objecting to unfair labor practices.
• Breach of contract: Your employer can’t fire you if the termination violates an employment agreement. 
• Adhering to public policy: You cannot be let go for attending jury duty.

Those who serve in the United States military should not be punished for leaving their profession to fulfill their duty to their country. Our South Carolina attorneys recognize when an employer tries to violate the rights of armed service members. Here are a couple of points to remember:

• The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) outlines certain reemployment rights for those who have left their jobs to serve the United States. It also protects against discrimination, retaliation, and loss of health insurance.
• If you have been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces and are qualified for a given position, you must be given preference for employment or appointment in certain instances.

The workplace should be a safe and comfortable space. Unfortunately, all it takes is one individual’s malice or insensitivity to create a hostile environment. 

Workplace harassment cases can vary significantly. They may be:

• Physical or verbal
• Inside or outside of the workplace
• Between supervisors, employees, clients, or customers
• Sexual or nonsexual

In some cases, the victim might not even realize they’re being harassed right away. If you’re being forced to deal with workplace harassment, contact Morgan & Morgan to see how we can help.

Whether you’ve been harassed, discriminated against, or wrongfully terminated, we understand the toll it can take on your well-being. Our attorneys try to make it easier by working on a contingency — that means we don’t get paid unless you win, and nothing comes out of your pocket.

If you believe your employer or a coworker has violated your rights, contact Morgan & Morgan. Our South Carolina labor and employment attorneys have the know-how to get you the compensation you deserve. To get started, fill out a free case evaluation now.