Can I sue for wrongful termination in Virginia?
1. At-Will Default
Virginia is firmly at-will. Stonega Coke & Coal Co. v. Louisville & N. R. Co., 55 S.E. 551 (Va. 1906).
2. Public Policy Exception
Bowman v. State Bank of Keysville, 331 S.E.2d 797 (Va. 1985), recognized a public-policy exception. Limited to three Bowman categories: (1) discharge violating policy explicitly expressed in statute, (2) discharge of an employee specifically protected by statute, (3) employer's reason for discharge violated public policy underlying a statute. Rowan v. Tractor Supply, 559 S.E.2d 709 (Va. 2002).
3. Implied Contract
Generally rejected; at-will disclaimers in handbooks control (Falls v. Virginia State Bar, 397 S.E.2d 671 (Va. 1990)).
4. Implied Covenant of Good Faith
Not recognized.
5. Statutory Discrimination Claims
Virginia Values Act (VVA), effective 2020, amended Virginia Human Rights Act (Va. Code § 2.2-3900) to add comprehensive protections (sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.) and a private right of action against employers with 6+ (15+ for some) employees. Virginia Council on Human Rights enforces; 300-day filing window. Title VII, ADEA, ADA via EEOC.
6. Retaliation Statutes
Va. Code § 40.1-27.3 (2020) — Whistleblower Protection Law providing private cause of action. § 65.2-308 — workers' comp retaliation. § 18.2-465.1 — jury service.
7. WARN Act
No Virginia mini-WARN. Federal WARN applies.
8. Damages
Bowman tort: back pay, compensatory, punitive (Virginia cap $350k under § 8.01-38.1). VHRA: back pay, compensatory, punitive ($350k cap), attorney's fees. Whistleblower: reinstatement, back pay, attorney's fees, civil penalty.
9. Statute of Limitations
Bowman: 2 years (Va. Code § 8.01-248 catch-all); VHRA: 300 days to admin filing; whistleblower: 1 year; written contract: 5 years.
This is legal information, not legal advice.
- You believe your firing fits one of the three narrow Bowman public-policy categories
- You experienced discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity (post-VVA)
- You reported a suspected violation of state or federal law and faced retaliation
- Va. Code § 2.2-3900 (VHRA/Virginia Values Act)
- Va. Code § 40.1-27.3 (Whistleblower)
- Va. Code § 65.2-308 (WC retaliation)
- Bowman v. State Bank of Keysville, 331 S.E.2d 797 (Va. 1985)
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.