Being fired is difficult enough. But when you know your termination wasn’t just unfair—it was unlawful—it creates a whole new level of stress.
Maybe you took medical leave, reported harassment, or refused to stay silent about a workplace violation. When employers respond by cutting you loose, they cross a legal line.
You need answers, and you need someone on your side. That is where a wrongful termination lawyer in Andover can help. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we represent workers who were fired for standing up, speaking out, or simply exercising their rights.
Our team brings decades of combined experience in labor and employment law to each case, and we’ve helped clients recover millions in damages from employers who retaliated against them.
If you’re looking for guidance, our Andover labor and employment lawyer is here to protect your interests and help you move forward.
Legal Rights You Have After Being Fired
It’s a common misconception that employers in Massachusetts can fire someone for any reason. While the state follows “at-will” employment, that rule has important exceptions.
You can’t be fired for engaging in protected activity, for being part of a protected class, or for asserting your workplace rights.
Here are a few examples of what wrongful termination can look like:
- Termination after taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
- Being let go for participating in a coworker’s discrimination investigation.
- Firing based on race, gender, age, or another protected trait under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B.
- Termination in retaliation for reporting wage theft, harassment, or unsafe conditions.
State and federal laws exist to protect workers from being punished for doing the right thing. These laws apply to both private and union workers, and our attorneys are prepared to help clients from every background, including healthcare professionals, tradespeople, service workers, and corporate employees.
If you suspect your rights were violated, speaking with a qualified wrongful termination attorney in Andover can help clarify where you stand and whether legal action makes sense.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful termination lawyer serving Andover, call (860) 999-9394
Financial Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Wrongful termination is more than just an employment issue. It is often a major financial setback, especially for high-wage earners supporting their families. Fortunately, the law allows for several types of damages, depending on your case.
These include:
- Back pay: Wages and income you would have earned from the date of termination until your case is resolved.
- Front pay: Projected future earnings when returning to your position are not realistic or appropriate.
- Lost benefits: Health insurance contributions, retirement matching, bonuses, or other benefits you were receiving or expected to receive.
- Emotional distress damages: Compensation for stress, anxiety, humiliation, or harm to your professional reputation caused by the firing.
- Punitive damages: Additional damages that may apply when an employer’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional.
- Attorney’s fees and costs: Legal fees and related expenses that are often recoverable if your claim is successful.
Every wrongful termination case is unique, and the value of your claim depends on specific facts, documentation, and timing. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we don’t rely on rough estimates.
We take a detailed approach to calculating damages and pursue the full amount the law allows, based on evidence and a clear legal strategy.
Andover Wrongful Termination Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
Common Employer Excuses That May Hide Illegal Firing
Most employers won’t come out and say they fired someone for filing a complaint or taking protected leave. Instead, they often rely on vague or misleading justifications that hide the real reason behind a termination. If you were let go shortly after asserting your rights, it may not be a coincidence.
These are some of the warning signs we frequently see in wrongful termination cases:
- Sudden performance issues: A drop in performance ratings or new disciplinary actions that show up only after you speak up or file a report.
- Unclear reasons for firing: Phrases like “no longer a fit” or “changing direction” that lack any documentation or evidence.
- Termination after leave: Being fired soon after returning from medical leave, family leave, or another legally protected absence.
- Unequal enforcement of rules: Policies or rules being applied harshly to you while others are given more flexibility.
- Restructuring that targets one person: A supposed company change or layoff that only affects you, without broader organizational impact.
In our experience, these explanations often don’t hold up when the timeline and facts are closely examined. Employers may try to cover their tracks, but the truth usually surfaces with the right legal approach.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we know how to identify these patterns and challenge employer narratives to expose retaliation or bias for what it really is.
Click to contact our Labor & Employment Lawyers in Andover today
How Our Andover Employment Attorneys Build Strong Cases
Having a gut feeling that your firing was unfair is a valid starting point, but it’s not enough on its own. Wrongful termination cases require evidence, timing, and a focused legal plan. That’s exactly what we offer.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we approach every claim with careful attention to detail. Our attorneys understand both the legal standards and the workplace dynamics that often lead to unlawful firings. We work closely with you to uncover what happened and build a case that reflects the truth.
Here’s how we get started:
- Full case review: We take time to hear your story, review your employment records, assess communications with your employer, and understand the full context of your termination.
- Legal analysis: Once we understand the facts, we determine whether your employer may have violated state or federal law and identify the most effective path forward.
- Gathering key evidence: That may include personnel files, write-ups, internal emails, policies, and witness accounts that help connect the dots and support your claim.
This process is about more than checking boxes. It’s about building a strong, fact-based narrative that stands up under pressure.
Whether we are negotiating a settlement or preparing for court, we are thorough, strategic, and committed to pursuing justice on your behalf.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get Legal Help Today
Wrongful termination can derail your career and your financial future. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we help clients across Andover and beyond stand up to injustice and get the compensation they deserve.
Our firm brings together seasoned trial attorneys and a dedicated focus on labor and employment law. We are not a general practice firm; we are here to hold employers accountable and protect workers from illegal treatment. With a strong track record of success and a deep commitment to our clients, we take every case seriously.
We offer free consultations and take most cases on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay unless we win. Backed by millions recovered and years of focused experience, we are ready to fight for you.
Call now to speak with a wrongful termination attorney in Andover who understands your rights and knows how to get results.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form