Need an Attorney for a Wrongful Termination Case?
Being fired can come with a whole host of additional issues. How will rent be paid? How can groceries be purchased? When wrongful termination case is done, the person being fired may be entitled to compensation. This can be obtained in specific situations when the termination was not done according to national or state laws, but it can be difficult to prove. The first step for any wrongful termination case should be to speak with a lawyer.
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Set Up a Consultation to Talk About the Termination
The first thing anyone will want to do if they believe they’ve been wrongfully terminated is speak with a lawyer. Lawyers like those at Haeggquist and Eck, LLP understand the laws regarding termination and can help clients determine if there were any laws broken. It is important for the client to approach the initial consultation with as much evidence as possible, as this will help the lawyer figure out if there is a case.
Gather All Employment Documents
The former employee will want to gather any employment-related documents they might have. This can include the employee handbook, any contract for employment, pay stubs, or performance reviews. It’s also a good idea to gather any documents directly relating to the termination, including emails or other messages sent that discuss how or why the termination occurred. It’s better to have too much evidence than too little, so bring everything to the consultation.
Write Down What Happened
As soon as possible after the termination happens, write down exactly what happened. This should include as many details as possible, such as the names of anyone who was involved. Depending on the situation, this can end up being at least a few pages long. It’s better to have too many details included than to miss out on something important, as it’s possible to forget some of the details as time goes by.
See If Any Laws Were Broken
The former employee may want to look into whether any laws were broken on their own. This allows them to understand wrongful termination a little bit better and make sure they have a good idea of what to discuss with the lawyer. There are federal labor laws as well as state laws and regulations regarding when an employee can be fired, so make sure to review that and see what might apply.
Work With an Attorney to Request Compensation
During the consultation, the attorney will review all of the above information to determine if the person has a case for wrongful termination. If there is a case, the attorney can review what will happen next, let their client know what to expect from the situation, and will start requesting compensation for the termination. This process can be complex, so it’s a good idea to work closely with the attorney as well as to be patient as the attorney works to get a higher settlement.
If you’ve been terminated from your job and believe it was done illegally, take the first step today and contact a lawyer for help. They have experience dealing with local, state, and federal labor laws, so they can help determine if there is the potential to receive compensation. If so, they can then work with you to make sure you receive as much compensation as possible and are able to financially survive while you look for a new job.
