If you have been laid off or fired recently, and you believe that you lost your job for an unlawful reason, you may be able to bring a claim for wrongful termination against your former employer.

The term “wrongful termination” means that an employer has fired or laid off an employee for illegal reasons. Things like reduction in workforce, going out of business, poor performance, or an action that is the fault of the employee are all legal reasons to fire or lay off an employee.

Legal Remedies

If you think you may want to bring a legal claim for wrongful termination, a wrongful termination attorney can help to represent your rights.

There are a variety of potential legal remedies available if your employer is found to have wrongfully terminated your employment. And sometimes there is more than one wrongdoer who may be held accountable for damages.

An employer may have to pay damages based on the employee’s lost wages and emotional distress. The employer may also have to pay punitive damages to the terminated employee.

If the employee has not yet been officially released, an attorney may be able to negotiate reinstatement or an appropriate severance package that includes adequate compensation and unemployment benefits while the employee hunts for a new job.

Contact us at 310.773.5632 for a free consultation

Tips That Can Help After Being Fired

Although it may be a shock, you need a cool head to think through your next steps. There are a number of things you may want to do immediately to document what has occurred. You will need this information to bring a legal claim.

1. If you have an employment contract, become familiar with the provisions of the agreement. Review promises made by your employer and gather evidence of those promises.
2. Ask why you were terminated if you were not told. Find out who decided to fire you.
3. Request to view your personnel file.
4. Gather any and all documents ever provided to you by your employer. Save all e-mails and text messages between you and your employer.
5. Request and negotiate a severance package. Confirm all agreements regarding your termination and severance in writing.
6. Obtain witness statements from prior coworkers who might have witnessed wrongful conduct.
7. Return all company property and follow standard post-employment procedures.

Our Recommendation

Talk to a lawyer before filing a wrongful termination claim.

If you’ve been wrongly fired, you may have rights to severance pay, damages, and/or unemployment compensation. You should speak with an experienced Angeles Law Firm employment law attorney to understand your rights.

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