West Palm Beach Wrongful Termination Lawyer
If you have been let go from your job, you may be wondering whether or not the termination was legal. This question comes up many times and it is important to understand what wrongful termination is and when it occurs, so that you know if it has happened to you. Before you begin accusing anyone, look more in-depth below and then contact your local wrongful termination attorneys to learn more about your case.
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination is considered the action of an employer firing or terminating the working relationship with an employee for reasons that are considered illegal. Although many states are at-will employment states, which means your employer does not need a reason to fire you, illegal termination does still occur and it is important for you to understand it.
Types of Wrongful Termination
- Breach of contract
- Discrimination
- Terminated for refusing an illegal act
- Retaliation
- Taking time off under protected classes
If any of the above types of wrongful termination have occurred to you, it is important for you to note everything down and get ready to speak with an attorney today.
How to Handle Yourself After a Wrongful Termination
If you have been wrongfully terminated from your job, it is important that you do not begin speaking to the employer or bring up anything about the termination after it has occurred. If you say too much or say the wrong thing, you may find that you lose your chance to file a case.
Before you begin to stress out, you should sit down, breathe, and begin to plan your life. It is important that you collect all of the evidence you can about your termination and your employment history at the specific place of business. It can be hard to prove a wrongful termination case so you need to be as prepared as possible.
At-Will Employee Contracts
The reason it is difficult to prove a wrongful termination case is because many states operate on an at-will employment basis. This means that the employee is not bound to the job and the employer is not bound to the employee. The employer is able to fire or dismiss an employee without having a reason for doing so.
Planning for Your Lawsuit
If you think you have been wrongfully terminated and you want to pursue it, you need to hire experienced wrongful termination attorneys. Your attorneys will be able to listen to your case and decide if you should pursue going to court. It is not uncommon for you to think you were terminated illegally, but the conditions are too hard prove, thus rendering you without a case. This happens all of the time and that is why it is crucial that you document everything and keep all of your contracts and paperwork.
It is also important for you to pay attention to the statute of limitations on your case as well. If you reach the limit and you have not filed your case, you will find that you are not able to file the case. It is recommended that you speak with an attorney immediately to avoid the statute of limitations sneaking up on you.
Contact a Local Attorney
Now that you have the documents in hand and you are ready to make a move, contact your local wrongful termination attorneys. You will find that working with an attorney is easy and they are able to help you understand the terms and navigate through the lawsuit process. Should you win a wrongful termination case, you will be able to recover damages including lost wages.
Sources:
http://employment.findlaw.com/losing-a-job/ten-things-to-think-about-wrongful-discharge.html
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/wrongful-termination-was-firing-illegal-32282.html
http://employment.findlaw.com/losing-a-job/wrongful-termination-claims.html
