Michigan employment laws can be complex and confusing, especially for employees who are experiencing problems at work. With a noticeable rise in employment-related lawsuits, Michigan employees should be aware of their rights and the legal options available to them.

This article discusses common grounds for suing an employer in Michigan and how, with the help of an experienced employment lawyer, Michigan workers can get the guidance they need. Contact us today to get started.

Understanding Employment Law in Michigan

Michigan employment law is governed by various statutes, regulations, and case laws that aim to establish a balanced and fair working environment. Such laws provide a framework in which employers and employees can work with a certain degree of predictability and fairness, which is vital to a successful workplace.

Employment laws were first passed in the early 20th century and have evolved over the decades to adapt to the changing dynamics of the workplace. They have expanded ever since to cover a wide range of aspects of the employer-employee relationship, as societal standards and economic circumstances shift. Laws against discrimination and harassment have become stricter, indicating a more accommodating and considerate society that values individuals’ rights.

Key Components of Michigan Employment Law

Michigan’s employment laws cover several key areas:

  • Wage and Hour Laws: These laws regulate the minimum wage, overtime, and other wage-related concerns. This ensures that employees are compensated fairly for their work.
  • Anti-Discrimination Laws: Providing employees with protection against discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, disability, and other protected factors.
  • Workplace Safety Laws: The provision of a safe and hazard-free workplace by adhering to safety and health standards.
  • Family and Medical Leave Laws: Offering qualified workers job-protected and unpaid leave due to certain family and medical situations.
  • Unemployment Insurance Laws: Providing financial aid to deserving people who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own.

The Role of a Michigan Employment Lawyer

A Michigan employment lawyer plays an important role in interpreting and applying Michigan’s employment laws. They offer assistance to both employers and employees, ensuring compliance with existing laws, resolving disputes, and providing representation in litigation. A Michigan employment attorney can guide you through the confusing legal environment, ensuring that your rights and obligations under the law are clearly understood and protected.

Keeping Abreast of Changes

Employment law is dynamic and requires one to stay up-to-date with new legislative amendments and judicial interpretations. This is where experienced employment law firms, such as Fieger Law, come in with expertise on the intricacies of Michigan employment law to ensure that clients are fully informed and well-represented.

Common Grounds for Suing Your Employer in Michigan

Employment-related disputes can arise from various scenarios. Here are some common grounds on which you can sue your employer in Michigan:

  • Wrongful Termination: Being fired for unlawful reasons, such as discrimination or retaliation.
  • Discrimination (Gender, Race, Religion, Age, Pregnancy, Military Service): Facing unequal treatment based on protected characteristics.
  • Sexual Harassment: Enduring unwanted sexual advances, comments, or behaviors in the workplace.
  • Retaliation and Whistleblowing: Facing adverse actions for reporting illegal activities or exercising your rights.
  • Minimum Wage and Overtime Violations: Not receiving the legally mandated wages or overtime pay.
  • Unsafe Work Environment: Experiencing hazards that your employer failed to address, leading to injuries or illnesses.
  • Breach of Employment Contract: Your employer’s failure to adhere to the terms agreed upon in your employment contract.

Role of Employment Contracts in Disputes

Employment contracts play a crucial role in legal disputes between employees and employers. These contracts often contain specific clauses that can influence the outcome of a dispute. Key aspects to look for in your employment contract include:

  • Job Duties and Responsibilities: Defined roles can help determine if there has been a breach of contract.
  • Termination Clauses: These clauses outline conditions for termination. Understanding these can be crucial in wrongful termination cases.
  • Non-Compete and Non-Disclosure Agreements: These can impact your ability to work in your industry after employment and require careful consideration before signing.
  • Dispute Resolution: Some contracts require arbitration or mediation before taking legal action. Knowing this can inform your approach to resolving disputes.

Reviewing your employment contract with an attorney can provide clarity and help protect your rights.

The Impact of At-Will Employment on Lawsuits

Michigan operates under an at-will employment system, meaning employers can terminate employees for any reason not prohibited by law, and employees can leave their jobs at any time without cause. However, there are important exceptions to this rule in which an employer can be sued for wrongful termination:

  • Discrimination: Terminations based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected characteristics are illegal.
  • Retaliation: Employers cannot fire employees for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting illegal activities or participating in an investigation.
  • Breach of Contract: If an employment contract specifies conditions under which termination can occur, those conditions must be met, and termination cannot occur outside those conditions.

While at-will employment presents challenges for wrongful termination lawsuits, these exceptions provide a pathway for legal action. It’s always wise to speak to an attorney to understand your rights and options if you believe you’ve been fired illegally.

Calculating Damages in Employment Lawsuits

When pursuing an employment lawsuit, various types of damages can be awarded to compensate for losses and distress. These include:

  • Back Pay: Compensation for lost wages from the time of wrongful termination to the date of judgment.
  • Front Pay: Future lost earnings that an employee would have received if they had not been wrongfully terminated.
  • Emotional Distress: Damages for the psychological impact of wrongful termination or mistreatment, such as anxiety, depression, or other emotional distress.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly egregious conduct by the employer, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the employer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Calculating these damages can be complex, and having an experienced attorney can help you receive the full compensation you deserve. Reach out to us for legal assistance.

How long do you have to sue your employer?

Prompt action to remedy workplace injustices in Michigan safeguards your right to justice. Statutes of limitations are legal deadlines that determine the time you have to file employment claims. These time limits depend on the type of claim, and failure to meet them may preclude your case, and you will have no remedy. Knowledge of these timelines will enable you to take decisive action.

For discrimination claims, such as those based on race, gender, age, or disability, file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Michigan’s Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) within 300 days of the incident.

Federal claims under Title VII or the Americans with Disabilities Act follow this timeline, while the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act allows three years for state court filings. Wage and hour violations, such as unpaid overtime under the Michigan Payment of Wages and Fringe Benefits Act, also have a three-year statute of limitations.

Retaliation claims, such as those involving retaliation for filing a discrimination complaint, generally have the same deadlines as discrimination claims. Michigan law limits wrongful termination claims that are not based on discrimination or breach of contract to a three-year period.

Missing these deadlines may bar your case, as courts rarely grant exceptions. Evidence such as witness memories or company records can also diminish with time and undermine your case.

Visit an attorney immediately after an incident to assess your claim and comply with deadlines. Our attorneys at Fieger Law can evaluate your case and file claims effectively. Contact us today to get a free consultation to protect your rights.

Can you sue your employer while still employed?

Pursuing legal action against your employer while still employed is possible in Michigan. However, many workers fear retaliation, such as demotion or termination. Michigan and federal laws provide strong protection, allowing you to exercise your rights freely.

The Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file claims of discrimination or harassment or who report workplace violations. Protected actions include:

In case of retaliation by your employer, you can make more claims of damages such as lost wages or emotional distress. To support your claim, record incidents such as emails or performance reviews, and do not talk to your colleagues about your claim, as it may lead to a conflict. Immediate action saves evidence and legal time limits.

How Fieger Law Can Help

When it comes to employment issues, whether negotiating a settlement or arguing in court, the proper legal representation can make all the difference. With the help of a professional employment lawyer at Fieger Law, you can rest assured that your rights will be well-protected.

Our experienced attorneys have an extensive track record of recovering hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. We also have the resources and experience to navigate the complexities of Michigan employment law.

The Process of Suing Your Employer

Initiating a lawsuit against your employer involves the following:

  • Collecting and recording the evidence of the unlawful action
  • Seeking the advice of an employment lawyer to assess the merits of your case
  • Complaining to the appropriate state or federal agencies
  • Going to court in case a solution is not found in mediation or settlement

When you have a competent employment lawyer to guide you through the process, your chances of getting a positive result are high.

Contact Fieger Law Today

Employment disputes can be emotionally exhausting and legally complex. It is essential to know when and how to file a lawsuit against your employer. Fieger Law is willing to support you and give you the legal help and assistance that you need to defend your rights and pursue the justice that you deserve.

Has your employer wronged you? Do not face the legal procedure alone. Contact Fieger Law today to set up a free consultation with an employment law expert and find out more about your rights. Our experienced Michigan employment lawyers are ready to provide the guidance and advocacy you need to fight back against wrongful employment actions.

Last Modified: July 28, 2025