Wrongful Termination
Losing a job is always difficult, but when it feels unjust or unlawful, the experience can be even more distressing. In some cases, termination may violate your legal rights, and you may be entitled to seek legal recourse. If you’re unsure whether your termination was wrongful, there are several signs that suggest you should consult a lawyer. Knowing what to look for can help you take the right steps to protect yourself and possibly recover compensation.
Here are some key indicators that it might be time to seek legal assistance.
You Were Fired After Reporting Misconduct
If you were terminated after reporting illegal or unethical behavior, such as workplace harassment, discrimination, or safety violations, this could be a sign of retaliation. Federal and state laws protect employees who speak out against misconduct in the workplace, and firing someone for doing so may be illegal. If your termination closely followed your decision to report such behavior, this is a red flag that suggests you may need legal help.
A lawyer can review the details of your case and determine if your employer violated whistleblower protection laws. Our friends at Hoyer Law Group, PLLC discuss this type of retaliation frequently, emphasizing that employees should not have to fear losing their jobs for doing the right thing.
Your Termination Was Discriminatory
Employment laws protect individuals from being fired based on certain protected characteristics, including race, gender, age, religion, national origin, or disability. If you believe your termination was based on one of these factors, it may be considered wrongful termination due to discrimination. For example, if you were let go while others in similar roles with less experience or lower performance were retained, this could indicate that discrimination played a role in your dismissal.
In cases where discrimination is suspected, a lawyer can help gather evidence to support your claim, such as reviewing company records and interviewing witnesses.
You Were Fired After Taking Medical Or Family Leave
Employees have the legal right to take leave for medical reasons, including pregnancy or to care for a family member under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). If your employer fired you after you took such leave or while you were on leave, this could be an unlawful termination.
Employers are required to allow eligible employees to take FMLA leave without fear of losing their job. If you were fired in connection with requesting or taking leave, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
Your Employer Violated An Employment Contract
If you have an employment contract that outlines specific terms for your employment, including conditions for termination, being fired outside of those terms could be a violation of your rights. For example, if your contract states that you can only be terminated for cause, but you were fired without a valid reason, this may constitute wrongful termination.
A wrongful termination lawyer can help you review your contract and determine whether your termination breached its terms. This is especially important for employees who work in industries where contracts are common, such as executive roles, sales, or entertainment.
