Steps to Take if You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated From Your Job

Companies violate federal or state laws, company policies, or employment contracts when they wrongfully terminate employees. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed 110 lawsuits challenging unlawful employment discrimination in fiscal year 2024. If you believe your dismissal was illegal, it is critical that you protect your rights and seek legal action, especially if the termination was motivated by discrimination or retaliation. 

Riverside wrongful termination lawyer Rodney Yadidi recommends consulting a skilled lawyer to deal with illegal dismissal cases. Wrongful termination lawyers can help you understand the applicable laws in your case and assist you with paperwork and legal procedures.

Knowing your rights and acting quickly can help you get reinstatement, compensation, or other legal relief. Assess your situation, gather evidence, and explore your legal options to challenge an unfair dismissal.

Understand Your Rights

You can sue for discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract. Familiarize yourself with the federal and state employment laws that apply to your case in order to uphold your rights.

You can seek compensation for emotional distress and lost wages. Study the statutes of limitation that apply to your state to avoid jeopardizing your claim. 

An employment attorney can help clarify your rights and legal options. 

Gather Evidence and documentation

Creating a case against your wrongful termination requires gathering evidence. Start collecting your employment contract, performance reviews from termination, and disciplinary letters or notices. These documents contextualize the case and establish your work performance and termination.

Locate witnesses to the events that led to your discharge for value statements. Keep up with your employer about the termination. Emails, texts, and other communications will strengthen the case.

Establish a timeline of the event leading up to your termination. This will give you a better picture of what happened and more evidence to support your case. 

Document any termination-related meetings, conferences, or discussions. Include dates, names, and other relevant details to strengthen your case.

Seek Legal Advice

Present your evidence to an experienced employment lawyer. The lawyer will provide legal advice and evaluate the validity of your case.  A lawyer will also explain employment law, including claim deadlines. Wrongful termination lawyers allow you to concentrate on other important matters while they handle all the legal aspects of your case. 

Explore Your Options for Resolution

After legal consultation, you can check for alternative resolution options.

Negotiating with your employer is faster and less stressful than trying to sue. If negotiation fails, you can file a complaint with the EEOC.

Mediation or arbitration can help reach an informal agreement outside of court protocols if the above steps fail.

Investing in a skilled employment lawyer gives you access to legal representation in case of litigation.