Wrongful termination is the termination of an employee’s employment for reasons that are not legally justified. Wrongful termination can take many forms, including:
- Termination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.
- Termination in retaliation for whistleblowing or reporting illegal activity.
- Termination in violation of an employment contract.
- Termination in violation of public policy.
What are the Laws Against Wrongful Termination?
There are a number of laws in the United States that protect employees from wrongful termination. These laws include:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
- The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
- The Equal Pay Act of 1963
- The Civil Rights Act of 1991
- The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
What Can I Do If I Have Been Wrongfully Terminated?
If you believe that you have been wrongfully terminated, there are a few things you can do.
Talk to your employer. The first step is to talk to your employer about the termination. Explain the situation and ask them to reconsider their decision.
File a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is a federal agency that enforces the laws against wrongful termination. You can file a complaint with the EEOC online or by mail.
Hire a lawyer. If you are unable to resolve the issue with your employer or the EEOC, you may want to hire a lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and represent you in court if necessary.
How to Find a Wrongful Termination Lawyer
If you are considering hiring a wrongful termination lawyer, there are a few things you can do to find a lawyer who is right for you.
- Ask for referrals from friends, family, or coworkers.
- Contact your state bar association for a list of employment lawyers.
- Search online for employment lawyers in your area.
When you are interviewing lawyers, be sure to ask about their experience with wrongful termination cases and their fees. You should also feel comfortable with the lawyer and confident that they will fight for your rights.
Here are some additional tips for finding a wrongful termination lawyer:
- Make sure the lawyer is licensed to practice law in your state.
- Ask about the lawyer’s experience with wrongful termination cases.
- Find out how much the lawyer charges for their services.
- Get everything in writing, including the lawyer’s fees and the scope of their representation.
What to Expect When Working with a Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Once you have hired a wrongful termination lawyer, they will take the following steps to help you protect your rights:
- Investigate your claim.
- File a complaint with the EEOC or other appropriate government agency.
- Negotiate with your employer.
- Represent you in court if necessary.
A wrongful termination lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, file a complaint with the EEOC or other appropriate government agency, negotiate with your employer, and represent you in court if necessary. If you believe that you have been wrongfully terminated, you should not hesitate to seek legal help.
Conclusion
If you believe that you have been wrongfully terminated, you should not hesitate to take action. There are a number of resources available to help you protect your rights.
