When you are fired from your job, you may have a thousand thoughts on your mind. The apparent economic impact is hard to ignore, but it is time to look for new opportunities. While employers in Washington have the right to fire employees at will, there are exceptions. If you believe you have been asked to leave for invalid reasons, consider seeking legal help. Knowing what to do when you have been wrongfully terminated is critical, and an experienced attorney can guide you further. Here are some essential details at a glance.
Understanding wrongful termination
You may find that your termination is not legal in many circumstances. Examples include –
- You were fired in direct violation of your employment contract
- You were terminated because of your race, religion, age, gender, sexuality, disability, or marital status
- You are a victim of retaliation
- You were fired because you engaged in whistleblowing activities
- You were fired because you filed a workers’ compensation claim
The chances are high that your employer will not fire you in a manner that points out discrimination or retaliation, so getting legal advice from an expert is even more critical.
Working on a wrongful termination lawsuit
Taking on an employer and filing a wrongful termination lawsuit takes significant work. A competent lawyer will investigate the facts and gather all the relevant evidence supporting the case. Building the case and defining the right strategy and approach are critical steps. Because you are going against a big company with significant legal expertise and a team to fight back, you need a lawyer with experience to take an aggressive stance.
Finding a good lawyer
- First, check whether the lawyer specializes in employment law and has handled wrongful termination lawsuits in their practice. Also, always choose a law firm that’s located in your city.
- Check whether the law firm has good ratings. You can find significant information on Google and via social media sites. You can also ask for references.
- Find out more about the success rate of the lawyer. Check the number of times they have been to court for wrongful termination lawsuits. Trial experience is a must.
- The lawyer should not have a conflict of interest. It is best to choose a firm that primarily represents employees.
Please list potential lawyers and meet them to learn about wrongful termination lawsuits.
