Wrongful Termination and Workplace Discrimination in Denver
Aaron Elinoff · Managing Partner, Novo Legal Group · Colorado Bar #46468 · Immigration & Civil Rights
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2 min read
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<p>Colorado is an "at-will" employment state, which means employers can generally fire employees for any reason or no reason — but not for an illegal reason. Wrongful termination cases focus on those illegal reasons: discrimination, retaliation, and breach of contract. This guide explains when a Denver employee has a claim.</p>
<h2>Protected categories under Colorado law</h2>
<p>The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) prohibits employment discrimination based on:</p>
<ul>
<li>Race, color, national origin, ancestry.</li>
<li>Religion or creed.</li>
<li>Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity.</li>
<li>Age (40+).</li>
<li>Disability.</li>
<li>Marital status.</li>
<li>Pregnancy and childbirth-related conditions.</li>
<li>Military status.</li>
</ul>
<p>Federal law (Title VII, ADA, ADEA) overlaps with most of these categories.</p>
<h2>Retaliation claims</h2>
<p>It is illegal to fire an employee for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Reporting discrimination or harassment.</li>
<li>Filing a workers' compensation claim.</li>
<li>Whistleblowing on illegal company conduct.</li>
<li>Taking FMLA or other protected leave.</li>
<li>Refusing to engage in illegal conduct.</li>
</ul>
<h2>What about contracts?</h2>
<p>Even in at-will Colorado, employees with contracts (express or implied) may have claims if termination violated the contract terms. Employee handbooks, job offer letters, and verbal promises sometimes create contractual obligations.</p>
<h2>Damages available</h2>
<ul>
<li>Back pay (lost wages from termination to settlement or judgment).</li>
<li>Front pay (future lost wages).</li>
<li>Lost benefits (health insurance, retirement, etc.).</li>
<li>Compensatory damages (emotional distress, reputation harm).</li>
<li>Punitive damages in egregious cases.</li>
<li>Attorney fees under most discrimination statutes.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Filing deadlines</h2>
<ul>
<li>Colorado Civil Rights Division: 6 months from termination.</li>
<li>EEOC: 300 days from termination.</li>
<li>Lawsuit: depends on which agencies were involved and statute of limitations.</li>
</ul>
<p>Move quickly — these deadlines are strict.</p>
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h3>I was the only Latino in my department and got fired for vague "performance" reasons. Do I have a case?</h3>
<p>Possibly. Discrimination cases are built on patterns and circumstantial evidence. An attorney can evaluate whether the facts support a claim.</p>
<h3>What if I do not have proof of discrimination?</h3>
<p>Direct proof is rare. Most cases use circumstantial evidence — comparators, comments, timing, departures from policy.</p>
<h3>How much does an employment lawyer cost?</h3>
<p>Many employment lawyers work on contingency. Free consultation evaluates the case.</p>
<h2>Free consultation</h2>
<p>Call <a href="tel:+18887465245">1 (888) 746-5245</a>. Bilingual.</p>
<p>Related: <a href="https://www.novo-legal.com/en/issues/civil-rights-police-misconduct">Civil Rights</a>.</p>
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