Wrongful Termination in Kentucky
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team - Kentucky - Last updated November 12, 2026
Wrongful termination in Kentucky includes an action against an employer for wrongful discharge in violation of public policy, which KRS 413.115(1) recognizes. Complaints under the Kentucky Civil Rights Act go to the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights within 180 days after the alleged unlawful practice, against employers with 8 or more employees within the state in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year. Under KRS 413.115, effective July 15, 2024, a suit for wrongful discharge in violation of public policy, or for a violation of KRS 344.030 to 344.110, has three years after the cause of action accrued. Final wages are due by the next normal pay period or 14 days after dismissal, whichever last occurs.
Find out where you stand in Kentucky
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What counts as wrongful termination in Kentucky?
Kentucky law recognizes an action against an employer for wrongful discharge in violation of public policy (KRS 413.115(1)). A firing is also wrongful when it breaks a statute, such as the Kentucky Civil Rights Act, or a contract, so match the facts to a specific rule and keep the records that support it.
Where do you file a discrimination complaint in Kentucky, and by when?
File with the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights within 180 days after the alleged unlawful practice, if your employer has 8 or more employees in Kentucky in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year. EEOC charges (15+ employees, 20+ for age) are due within 300 days from the date of harm.
How long do you have to sue for wrongful termination in Kentucky?
Under KRS 413.115, effective July 15, 2024, an action against an employer for wrongful discharge in violation of public policy, or for a violation of KRS 344.030 to 344.110 or 344.372, must be brought within three years after the cause of action accrued. KRS 344.450 gives a civil cause of action in Circuit Court.
When is your final paycheck due after being fired in Kentucky?
An employee who is discharged must be paid in full all wages earned not later than the next normal pay period following dismissal or fourteen days following it, whichever last occurs (KRS 337.055). If it is late, put your request in writing and keep a copy.
Kentucky wrongful termination rules
Kentucky changed its lawsuit clock recently. Under KRS 413.115, effective July 15, 2024, an action against an employer for wrongful discharge in violation of public policy, and an action for a violation of KRS 344.030 to 344.110 or 344.372, must be brought within three years after the cause of action accrued. The agency deadline is much shorter: a complaint to the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights must be filed within 180 days after the alleged unlawful practice, and the Civil Rights Act covers employers with 8 or more employees within the state in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year. KRS 344.450 gives a person injured by a violation a civil cause of action in Circuit Court. Kentucky law recognizes an action against an employer for wrongful discharge in violation of public policy (KRS 413.115(1)). Final wages are due by the next normal pay period or fourteen days after dismissal, whichever last occurs.
Relevant Laws
KRS 344.200 (Commission complaint deadline)
The complaint must be filed within 180 days after the alleged unlawful practice occurs.
KRS 413.115 (three-year limit)
Three years for public-policy wrongful discharge and KRS 344.030 to 344.110 claims, effective July 15, 2024.
KRS 337.055 (final wages)
Wages are due by the next normal pay period or fourteen days after dismissal, whichever last occurs.
EEOC Louisville timeliness
The EEOC gives 300 days from the date of harm for employers with 15 or more employees (20 or more for age) in Kentucky.
Regional Variances
Kentucky wrongful termination rules
Recognized exceptions
Wrongful discharge in violation of public policy (KRS 413.115(1)), statutory claims, and contract claims.
State agency and law
Kentucky Commission on Human Rights; Kentucky Civil Rights Act, KRS Chapter 344.
Agency filing deadline
Within 180 days after the alleged unlawful practice (KRS 344.200(1)).
EEOC charge deadline
300 days from the date of harm (EEOC Louisville office), for employers with 15 or more employees, or 20 or more for age.
Employer size covered
8 or more employees within the state in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year (KRS 344.030).
Whistleblower and retaliation law
KRS 344.280 (retaliation); KRS 338.121(3)(b) safety complaint to the commissioner within thirty days after the violation.
Deadline to sue
Three years after the cause of action accrued for KRS 344.030 to 344.110 claims and public-policy wrongful discharge (KRS 413.115, effective July 15, 2024).
Final paycheck
Next normal pay period after dismissal or fourteen days after it, whichever last occurs (KRS 337.055).
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Request your final pay in writing
Later of next pay period or 14 days days after startingKentucky requires full wages by the next normal pay period or fourteen days after dismissal, whichever is later. If they are late, send a written request for the exact amount owed.
Save records and write a timeline
Within days of the firing days after startingKeep the termination notice, messages, pay stubs and a dated timeline, with witness names.
File with the Commission on Human Rights
180 days (state); 300 days (EEOC) days after startingFor employers of 8 or more, file within 180 days after the practice. An EEOC charge (15 or more employees, 20 or more for age) is due within 300 days.
Calendar the three-year suit deadline
3 years after the claim accrued days after startingDiscrimination suits under KRS 344.030 to 344.110 or 344.372 and public-policy wrongful discharge suits are due within three years after the cause of action accrued (KRS 413.115).
Send a demand letter or review a settlement
Before signing any release days after startingA demand letter sets out your claim and what you want. Review any settlement agreement before signing; attorney review is available.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Request your final pay in writing | Kentucky requires full wages by the next normal pay period or fourteen days after dismissal, whichever is later. If they are late, send a written request for the exact amount owed. | final-paycheck-demand-letter | Later of next pay period or 14 days |
| Save records and write a timeline | Keep the termination notice, messages, pay stubs and a dated timeline, with witness names. | - | Within days of the firing |
| File with the Commission on Human Rights | For employers of 8 or more, file within 180 days after the practice. An EEOC charge (15 or more employees, 20 or more for age) is due within 300 days. | - | 180 days (state); 300 days (EEOC) |
| Calendar the three-year suit deadline | Discrimination suits under KRS 344.030 to 344.110 or 344.372 and public-policy wrongful discharge suits are due within three years after the cause of action accrued (KRS 413.115). | - | 3 years after the claim accrued |
| Send a demand letter or review a settlement | A demand letter sets out your claim and what you want. Review any settlement agreement before signing; attorney review is available. | demand-letter | Before signing any release |
Frequently Asked Questions
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