Can I sue for wrongful termination in Washington?
1. At-Will Default
Washington follows at-will but with substantial exceptions.
2. Public Policy Exception
Thompson v. St. Regis Paper Co., 685 P.2d 1081 (Wash. 1984), established the public-policy tort. Four elements: clarity, jeopardy, causation, absence of justification (Gardner v. Loomis Armored, 913 P.2d 377 (Wash. 1996)).
3. Implied Contract
Roberts v. Atlantic Richfield Co., 568 P.2d 764 (Wash. 1977), and Thompson recognized handbook-based implied contracts when employer creates an atmosphere of just-cause expectations and disseminates the manual.
4. Implied Covenant of Good Faith
Not recognized for at-will termination (Thompson dicta; Bulman v. Safeway, 27 P.3d 1172 (Wash. 2001)).
5. Statutory Discrimination Claims
Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), RCW 49.60, prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age (40+), disability, marital status, military status, veteran status, HIV status, and more. Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) administers. No administrative exhaustion required for court action. SOL 3 years.
6. Retaliation Statutes
RCW 51.48.025 (workers' comp retaliation), RCW 49.60.210 (WLAD retaliation), RCW 49.12.005 (wage retaliation), RCW 42.41 (local-government whistleblower), Silenced No More Act (RCW 49.44.211, 2022).
7. WARN Act
No Washington mini-WARN. Federal WARN applies. Note: Seattle and some localities have additional notice requirements.
8. Damages
Public-policy tort: back pay, compensatory, punitive (rare in WA — generally not allowed absent statutory authority). WLAD: back pay, front pay, compensatory (including emotional distress), attorney's fees; punitive damages not allowed under WLAD (Dailey v. North Coast Life Ins., 919 P.2d 589 (Wash. 1996)).
9. Statute of Limitations
WLAD: 3 years (RCW 4.16.080); public-policy tort: 3 years; written contract: 6 years; WC retaliation: 2 years.
This is legal information, not legal advice.
- You meet the four Thompson public-policy elements (clarity/jeopardy/causation/justification)
- Your handbook contained just-cause language consistent with Roberts-style implied contract
- You experienced discrimination under WLAD's broad protected-class list
- RCW 49.60 (WLAD)
- RCW 51.48.025 (WC retaliation)
- RCW 49.44.211 (Silenced No More)
- Thompson v. St. Regis Paper, 685 P.2d 1081 (Wash. 1984)
- Roberts v. Atlantic Richfield, 568 P.2d 764 (Wash. 1977)
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.