Harman Law - September/October 2022

WAS YOUR FRIEND FIRED UNFAIRLY? THEY MIGHT HAVE A WRONGFUL TERMINATION CASE Here in North Carolina, we have complicated laws around hiring and firing. That can make it tough to figure out whether a friend or family member was let go legally or “wrongfully terminated.” The difference is important, because someone wrongfully terminated can hire a lawyer and go after their employer for lost wages. WHAT IS WRONGFUL TERMINATION? Someone is wrongfully terminated if they’re fired for an illegal reason, for example in a way that breaks federal law or the legalities of their contract. This can be tough to prove in the best of circumstances, but it’s even harder in North Carolina because we are an “at-will” employment state. WHAT DOES ‘AT-WILL’ EMPLOYMENT MEAN? Basically, there is a rule in our state that employers can fire their employees for pretty much any reason — or even no reason at all. Employers don’t have to be fair. They can pick almost any reason they want and fire anyone without warning. As you might imagine, this makes proving wrongful termination really tough, but it isn’t impossible. WHAT ARE A FEW EXAMPLES OF WRONGFUL TERMINATION? Federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act still trump state law. So your friend, family member, or coworker may have a wrongful termination case if they were fired ...

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Solution on Page 4

GOULASH, HUNGARY’S NATIONAL DISH

Try re-creating Hungary’s national dish — goulash!

INGREDIENTS •

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 yellow onion, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, minced

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1 tsp Italian seasoning

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1 tsp paprika

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

1lb ground beef

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Even though it was prohibited by their contract

Salt and pepper, to taste 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 1/4 cups beef broth 1 15-oz can tomato sauce 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes

In a way that violated their contract

Based on their religion, sex, or age, or another form of discrimination Because they refused to violate the law at their employer’s request Even though they were participating in a legally protected activity In retaliation for filing a lawsuit, acting as a whistleblower, or reporting any illegal activities If you know someone who thinks they might have a wrongful termination case, send them to our team for help and/or give them this newsletter. Our employment lawyers can figure out whether they have a claim and, if they do, help them get the justice and payment they deserve.

DIRECTIONS 1.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and wait for it to heat. 2. Once heated, add onion and cook for 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. 3. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, and cook until no longer pink. Drain the grease, then add salt and pepper. 4. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Season with Italian seasoning and paprika. Add macaroni to the skillet. 5. Bring mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally. 6. Mix in the cheddar cheese and remove from heat.

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