Washington Employment Lawyer

Protecting Workers in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma & Across Washington State

If you are dealing with a hostile work environment, unpaid wages, or a sudden termination, you likely have urgent questions. Can I sue for getting fired? How much will a lawyer cost? Do I have a case?

At Crosner Legal, we understand that your job is your livelihood. We are dedicated to fighting for Washington employees who have been wronged by their employers. We operate on a contingency fee basis; meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win your case.

Wrongful Termination & Retaliation

Washington is an “at-will” employment state, but that does not mean your employer can fire you for an illegal reason. If you were let go shortly after filing a complaint, taking medical leave, or refusing to break the law, you may have a claim for wrongful termination or retaliation.

We handle complex termination cases involving:

• Retaliation: It is illegal for an employer to fire you for reporting misconduct (whistleblowing), filing an L&I claim, or raising safety concerns.
• Discrimination: You cannot be fired based on your race, age (40+), gender, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status under the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD).
• Public Policy Violations: You have the right to refuse to break the law, serve on a jury, or exercise legal rights without fear of losing your job. Case Example: In Gardner v. Loomis Armored, the Washington Supreme Court ruled it was illegal to fire a driver for leaving his truck to save a life, establishing a clear public policy exception to at-will employment.

Hostile Work Environment & Harassment

A significant portion of our practice involves protecting workers from toxic work environments. If you are facing severe or pervasive harassment that interferes with your ability to do your job, you have rights under state and federal law.

• Sexual Harassment: Unwanted advances, comments, or conduct.
• Discriminatory Harassment: Bullying or slurs based on protected characteristics like race, religion, or disability.
• EEOC & Human Rights Complaints: We can assist you in filing formal complaints with the EEOC or the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

Wage Theft: Unpaid Wages & Overtime

Are you being paid for every hour you work? Washington has some of the strictest wage laws in the country. If your employer has “willfully” failed to pay you correctly, you may be entitled to double damages (twice the amount you are owed) plus attorney’s fees.

Common wage violations we fight:

• Unpaid Overtime: Failure to pay 1.5x your regular rate for hours over 40 in a week.
• Off-the-Clock Work: Being forced to work through breaks or after clocking out.
• Final Paycheck Issues: Withholding your final check after termination.
• Misclassification: Being labeled an “independent contractor” or “salaried exempt” to avoid paying overtime.

Medical Leave (FMLA & PFML) Disputes

You should not have to choose between your health and your job. Washington workers have robust protections under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program (RCW 50A).

If you were fired for taking protected leave for a surgery, pregnancy, or to care for a sick family member, or if your employer refused to reinstate you to your position upon return, contact us immediately.

Severance & Non-Compete Agreements

Important Update: As of 2020, many non-compete agreements in Washington are void and unenforceable.

If you earn less than approximately $123,394 annually (2025 adjusted threshold), your employer generally cannot enforce a non-compete agreement against you. If they try, they may owe you a statutory penalty of $5,000 plus damages.

We also review severance agreements to ensure you aren’t signing away your rights to valid claims for pennies on the dollar.

Why Hire Crosner Legal?

No Fee Unless We Win

We know that losing your income is stressful. That is why we work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay us any hourly rates or upfront retainers. We only get paid if we recover a settlement or verdict for you.

Areas We Serve

Our employment attorneys represent clients throughout Washington State, including:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I sue for being fired without a warning?

Generally, yes, you can be fired without warning because Washington is an “at-will” state. However, you cannot be fired for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, or because you took medical leave. If the “reason” was a pretext for an illegal motive, you may have a lawsuit.

How much does an employment lawyer cost?

At Crosner Legal, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means our representation costs you nothing out of pocket. Our fees come as a percentage of the settlement or verdict we win for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay our legal fees.

Can a company withhold my final paycheck?

No. Your employer must pay you for all hours worked on the next regularly scheduled payday, regardless of whether you quit or were fired. Willful withholding of wages can lead to double damages under Washington law.

Is it illegal to be fired for being sick?

It often is. If you are eligible for FMLA or Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), your job is protected while you are on leave. Additionally, firing someone due to a disability (including temporary ones in some cases) may violate the Washington Law Against Discrimination.

How do I file a hostile work environment claim?

A hostile work environment claim requires proving that harassment was severe or pervasive and based on a protected characteristic (like race, gender, or age). The first step is often filing a complaint with the EEOC or the Washington State Human Rights Commission. We can handle this filing process for you to ensure it is done correctly.