Losing your job can be one of the most stressful experiences you’ll face in your professional life. Whether due to budget cuts, performance issues, or company restructuring, terminations happen for many legitimate reasons. However, not all job terminations are lawful. When an employer fires an employee in violation of state or federal laws, it may constitute wrongful termination, and when this happens in Reno, Nevada, you have legal options to pursue justice.
At Blue Sky Mediation Center, we understand the emotional and financial toll that wrongful termination can take on individuals and families throughout Reno and Northern Nevada. Our experienced mediators are dedicated to helping both employees and employers resolve wrongful termination disputes through professional mediation services that provide an alternative to costly and time-consuming litigation.
Nevada is an “at-will” employment state, which means employers can generally terminate employees for any reason or no reason at all, as long as the reason isn’t illegal. While this gives employers significant latitude, it doesn’t give them unlimited power. Certain terminations violate federal law or Nevada state law and are considered wrongful.
It’s important to understand that “wrongful termination” has a specific legal meaning. Just because a termination feels unfair or unjust doesn’t automatically make it wrongful in the eyes of the law. To be considered wrongful termination, the firing must violate specific legal protections or contractual obligations.
Discrimination-Based Termination occurs when an employer fires an employee based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, age (40 and older), disability, religion, or genetic information. These protections exist under both federal laws and Nevada state anti-discrimination statutes.
Retaliation happens when an employer terminates an employee for exercising their legal rights. This includes firing someone for filing a workers’ compensation claim, reporting workplace safety violations, complaining about discrimination or harassment, participating in workplace investigations, or reporting illegal activities. Nevada law strongly protects employees from retaliation.
Violation of Public Policy involves terminating an employee for reasons that violate public interest. For example, firing someone for refusing to break the law, serving on jury duty, or reporting employer wrongdoing to authorities would constitute wrongful termination under this category.
Breach of Employment Contract occurs when an employer violates the terms of a written or implied employment agreement. If your employment contract specifies conditions for termination and your employer didn’t follow those procedures, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
Constructive Discharge is a unique form of wrongful termination where the employer doesn’t directly fire the employee but instead creates such intolerable working conditions that the employee feels forced to resign. When workplace conditions become so hostile or unbearable that a reasonable person would feel compelled to quit, it may be treated legally as if the employee was terminated.
When you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated, you may consider filing a lawsuit against your former employer. While litigation is certainly an option, it comes with significant drawbacks. Employment lawsuits can take years to resolve, require substantial legal fees, and create enormous stress for everyone involved. The outcome is uncertain, and even if you win, the emotional and financial costs can be substantial.
Wrongful termination mediation offers a different path forward. Mediation is a structured negotiation process facilitated by a neutral third-party mediator who helps both sides communicate effectively and work toward a mutually acceptable resolution. Unlike litigation, where a judge or jury imposes a decision, mediation allows the parties to maintain control over the outcome.
For employees, mediation can provide faster resolution and compensation without the stress and uncertainty of trial. It offers a confidential forum to voice concerns and negotiate terms that might include financial compensation, positive employment references, or other remedies tailored to your specific situation.
For employers, mediation provides an opportunity to resolve disputes efficiently while avoiding the publicity, expense, and disruption of litigation. It preserves business relationships and allows companies to address employee concerns in a constructive manner.
Wrongful termination mediation typically begins with both parties agreeing to participate in the process. Each side may choose to attend with legal representation, though it’s not required. The mediator, who remains neutral throughout, creates a structured environment for productive dialogue.
The process usually starts with opening statements where each party presents their perspective on what happened and what they hope to achieve. The mediator then facilitates discussion, often meeting separately with each party in private sessions called caucuses. These confidential conversations allow parties to speak freely about their concerns, bottom lines, and potential settlement terms without worrying about revealing their position to the other side.
Throughout mediation, the mediator helps identify common ground, clarifies misunderstandings, and guides parties toward creative solutions. Experienced mediators understand the legal landscape surrounding wrongful termination claims and can help parties evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their positions realistically.
Mediation is flexible and can address a wide range of issues related to your termination. Common topics include:
The mediator helps parties explore various settlement options that might not be available through litigation, creating opportunities for win-win solutions that address both parties’ core interests.
The mediation process itself is voluntary and non-binding. This means either party can walk away at any time if they don’t believe a fair resolution is possible. However, if both parties reach an agreement during mediation and sign a settlement agreement, that document becomes a legally binding contract enforceable in court.
This combination of voluntary participation and binding outcomes provides the best of both worlds; parties maintain control and can only be bound by terms they actually agree to.
Reno’s economy has diversified significantly in recent years. From the traditional gaming and hospitality sectors along Virginia Street to the growing technology, logistics, and manufacturing industries, Reno employers span a wide range of business types and sizes. Wrongful termination disputes can arise in any of these contexts, and mediation provides an effective tool for resolution regardless of industry.
The City of Reno continues to attract new businesses and residents, and with that growth comes increased attention to workplace rights and protections. Whether you work in one of Reno’s casino resorts, in a warehouse supporting e-commerce operations, or in the emerging tech sector, understanding your rights when facing termination is essential.
Blue Sky Mediation Center provides comprehensive mediation services throughout Reno and Northern Nevada. In addition to wrongful termination mediation, we focus on employment mediation, discrimination mediation, wage and hour claims mediation, wage and hour class action mediation, PAGA claims mediation, and personal injury mediation. Our mediators understand Nevada employment law and work with clients and attorneys throughout the Washoe County Court system to provide accessible, professional mediation services.
While mediation is successful in many cases, it doesn’t work in every situation. Mediation only results in settlement when both parties agree to terms they find acceptable. If you participate in mediation and cannot reach an agreement, you still retain all your legal rights to pursue other remedies, including filing a formal complaint or lawsuit.
Even when mediation doesn’t result in immediate settlement, it often provides valuable information about the other party’s position and can facilitate resolution later in the process. Many cases that don’t settle in initial mediation sessions resolve shortly thereafter as parties continue reflecting on what they learned during the process.
If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated from your job in Reno or need skilled mediation services for any employment-related dispute, Blue Sky Mediation Center can help. Our experienced mediators are dedicated to facilitating fair, efficient resolutions that allow both parties to move forward.
Dealing with employment disputes requires sensitivity, legal knowledge, and strong communication skills. We provide a confidential, respectful environment where wrongful termination claims can be addressed constructively and efficiently.
To schedule a consultation or learn more about our wrongful termination mediation services in Reno, please contact our case manager at admin@blueskymediationcenter.com or call 213-376-4130. You can also reserve a time on our booking calendar or fill out our online contact form to get started.
Don’t let a wrongful termination define your future. Professional mediation can help you achieve resolution and closure, allowing you to move forward with confidence. Whether you’re seeking financial compensation, a positive reference, or simply acknowledgment of what happened, mediation provides a path toward resolution that respects your dignity and interests. Contact us today to discover how mediation can work for your situation.
