Can You Sue Your Employer in Connecticut?

If you have been dealing with a difficult situation at work, whether you have been harassed or wrongfully terminated, you might be asking yourself, “Can you sue your employer in Connecticut?” There is no universal answer to this question, as it depends highly on the details of your case. However, it’s important to be aware that Connecticut employees do have certain rights and legal avenues to take when they believe their employer has done something wrong.

Hire an Employment Lawyer in Connecticut Today

At Morizio Law Firm, we protect the rights of workers across Connecticut. Our firm is led by Attorney Lawrence F. Morizio, one of the few board-certified workers’ compensation professionals in the state. By leveraging his experience with our team’s comprehensive legal knowledge, we work to build strategic, aggressive claims for Connecticut workers who have had their rights violated. When your livelihood is at stake, hire an employment lawyer who can help.

When Can You File a Claim Against Your Employer in Connecticut?

There are a number of protections in place for Connecticut employees when they believe their rights have been violated in the workplace. Connecticut employment law is intentionally broad, as many different circumstances could warrant an investigation or legal claim.

You may be able to file a claim against your Connecticut employer if:

• You were wrongfully terminated for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
• Harassment or a hostile work environment interfered with your ability to do your job.
• Your employer failed to pay you for overtime or minimum wage.
• Unequal pay became apparent based on your gender, race, or another protected category.
• Your legally protected leave, like FMLA, was denied even though you were eligible.
• Retaliation happened after you reported workplace safety concerns.

As of May 2025, Connecticut is sitting with a 3.8% unemployment rate. This reflects a relatively stable market for the area. However, with more workers, there are more chances of facing unfair treatment at work. A healthy job market doesn’t mean that every employer is following the law, and you should connect with an employment lawyer as soon as you believe your rights have been violated.

How Connecticut Enforces Employment Protections

Connecticut has a strong reputation for protecting its employees. However, those protections only matter if they are actually being enforced. The Wage and Workplace Standards Division of the Connecticut Department of Labor plays a critical role in enforcing these laws, as it affects more than 1.6 million workers and over 100,000 employees across the state. This division investigates workplace violations and educates employees on how to enforce their rights.

However, despite these great efforts, violations still occur, oftentimes at the expense of hardworking people who might not even realize it’s happening. A skilled employment lawyer from our firm can help when this happens. The following are just a few of the areas our team can assist Connecticut employees with:

• Wage and Hour Violations: This includes unpaid overtime, late paychecks, off-the-clock work, or improper deductions.
• Misclassification of Employees: Being treated as an independent contractor when you would actually qualify as a full-time employee who earns extra benefits is illegal.
• Unlawful Termination or Retaliation: Being fired, demoted, or mistreated for trying to assert your rights is against Connecticut law and can result in a legal claim.
• Failure to Provide Legally Mandated Breaks or Time Off: This can include medical leave, rest periods, or any other legally protected time off that an employer owes an employee.
• Denied Accommodations: Employers who refuse to provide a reasonable accommodation for someone with a disability or religious practice can be held liable.
• Unsafe Working Conditions: When someone is forced to work in an environment that jeopardizes their physical and mental health without having proper safety measures in place, their employer can be held accountable.

While there are a number of systems in place throughout Connecticut to protect employers from engaging in unlawful behavior, it’s legal action that compels employers to comply. Don’t wait for a violation to escalate. Secure the help of a trusted legal advocate, like those at Morizio Law Firm, to help protect your income and peace of mind.

FAQs

What Proof Do You Need to File a Claim Against Your Employer in Connecticut?

To successfully file a claim against your employer, you need compelling evidence to substantiate the claim you’re trying to make. This could include written communications between you and a colleague, eyewitness accounts, performance reviews, time cards, or any documentation that you submitted internally through Human Resources. Even if you don’t have everything on hand, an attorney can help you collect what you’re missing to form a strong claim.

Is It Worth Filing a Claim Against Your Employer in Connecticut?

Making the decision to file a claim against your employer can be daunting. However, almost any employee you ask who has filed a claim would say that it was worth it. This is especially true for scenarios where employees have suffered extreme financial harm, emotional distress, or damage to their careers. A successful claim can help to recover some of this compensation and hold your employer accountable for their harmful actions.

Can I File a Claim Against My Employer for Emotional Distress in Connecticut?

Yes, there are certain circumstances where you can file a claim against your employer for emotional distress. These are common occurrences in cases that arise from severe harassment, retaliation, or wrongful termination due to the mental toll these experiences can have. However, not all negative workplace experiences will rise to this level of legal action. Work with your employment lawyer to determine what threshold you would need to meet to carry this out.

What Should I Do If I Suspect I’m Being Paid Unfairly in Connecticut?

If you believe you are being paid less than your colleagues for doing the same job, it’s crucial that you find a lawyer to discuss whether you have grounds for a discrimination claim in Connecticut. While these can sometimes be hard to identify at first, a skilled attorney can evaluate your situation, try to collect salary information, and work to build a case that demonstrates the unfair treatment you’ve endured.

The Morizio Law Firm: Your Connecticut Employment Lawyers

If you currently work in Connecticut and believe your employer has violated your rights, it’s imperative that you take legal action to hold them accountable for their wrongdoings. At the Morizio Law Firm, our team is prepared to work tirelessly to secure the compensation you’re rightfully owed.

To discuss your case with an experienced employment lawyer with local knowledge, contact our firm today.