Can an employer fire an employee for reporting violence in the workplace?

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Can an employer fire an employee for reporting violence in the workplace?

There was a situation at work where an employee threw trash at me and called me an f-ing slob while i was on break with my coworkers. Without even thinking I reacted by saying f- you. I then went to HR and reported what happened. Both oVf us were sent home pending an investigation. Both of us were then fired. The HR rep told me that I used violent language (f bomb) and that constituted workplace violence. Is this legitimate or can I sue for wrongful termination? Also, this was about 6 years ago?

Asked on June 21, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Colorado

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

An employer can terminate an employee for reporting violence in the work place. Whether the termination is legally permissible under such circumstances depends upon the facts of the matter.

As to your matter that happened six (6) years ago, you would be time barred under your state's statute of limitations from bringing a legal action against your former employer for any wrongful termination claim that you may have had.


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