If your employer unlawfully terminated you from your position, you have the right to take legal action. An experienced Boston wrongful termination attorney can explain your legal rights and help get you the money you need and deserve.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we are committed to protecting workers. Our team of experienced Boston employment and labor lawyers will work around the clock to help ensure a favorable outcome for your case.
We have years of experience that allow us to confidently help clients in your situation. Schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our legal team today by giving us a call or completing our online contact form.
Why Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Boston?
Hiring an employment lawyer can improve your chances of having a successful outcome for a wrongful termination claim in Boston. Your attorney can help you navigate the intricacies of employment law and can review your situation to see if you have a valid case.
Our law firm knows what it takes to successfully handle wrongful termination cases. We can step in right now to:
- Answer any questions you have
- Review the specifics of your situation
- Gather evidence to prove that your employer violated your rights
You can get the assistance that you deserve by contacting us right now. We know how to build a strong wrongful termination case.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful termination lawyer serving Boston, call (860) 999-9394
What to Do After Being Fired
If you believe your termination was unfair or unlawful, taking the right steps early on can significantly strengthen your case.
Start by collecting any documents related to your employment, including your employment contract, employee handbook, performance reviews, emails, and any written explanations of your termination.
If the conversation occurred verbally, write down everything you remember as soon as possible, including dates, statements made, and who was present.
Avoid signing severance agreements or other documents without having an employment lawyer review them. These often contain waivers that can limit your rights.
You should also refrain from discussing the situation with coworkers or posting about it online, as these statements may be used against you later.
Boston Wrongful Termination Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
What Is Considered Wrongful Termination in Massachusetts?
Wrongful termination refers to being fired for a reason that violates state or federal law, even in an at-will employment state like Massachusetts.
While employers generally have the right to let employees go for almost any reason, or no stated reason at all, they cannot terminate someone for unlawful motives such as discrimination, retaliation, or violations of public policy. When the stated justification for a firing is false or used as a cover for an illegal reason, the termination may qualify as wrongful.
Massachusetts adds its own nuances to these rules. In addition to federal protections, the Commonwealth recognizes specific exceptions to at-will employment, provides broader anti-discrimination protections, and prohibits certain types of retaliatory firings.
The sections below break down these protections in more detail and explain the situations that may give rise to a wrongful termination claim in Massachusetts.
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Massachusetts Is an At-Will Employment State
When considering filing a wrongful termination lawsuit against your employer, you need to understand that Massachusetts uses at-will employment laws, meaning that both employers and employees can terminate employment at any time, with or without cause.
As a result, a wrongful termination lawsuit is only a possibility under specific circumstances. However, some employees do not work on an at-will basis, including:
Public Sector Employees
In most cases, government employees working in the public sector do not work on an at-will basis. If you lose your government job, you may have grounds to file a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Union Employees
Workers who are members of a union have additional rights beyond those available to standard at-will employees. Often, the collective bargaining agreements and employment contracts for these workers include a clause stipulating that they can only lose their jobs for just cause.
Contracted Workers
When employees have a contract that lists a specific start and end date, there are usually only specific circumstances under which an employer can terminate their employment.
For workers with additional protections, there is a much higher chance they will be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit if they lose their jobs.
An experienced wrongful termination lawyer serving Boston can review the terms of your employment and the circumstances surrounding your termination to determine if you have a valid claim. We’re here and ready to provide legal advice about your situation right now.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Common Exceptions to At-Will Employment
For workers employed on an at-will basis, there are still exceptions that can render certain firings unlawful. You can get legal help if your employer fires you due to:
Discrimination
While employers can fire an at-will employee for no reason at all or simply because their employer does not like them, they can not fire you for discriminatory reasons.
Federal law protects workers from discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or classification as a member of a protected class.
A wrongful termination attorney in Boston can provide you with more information about employment discrimination and employee rights when you contact us for assistance.
Whistleblowing
Federal and state laws protect employees who report unlawful behavior by their employer from retaliation, including wrongful termination.
For example, employers cannot legally engage in retaliation against an employee who makes a report to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) about job-site hazards.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
The government also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file a workers’ compensation claim after being injured on the job.
Taking Medical Leave
Employers cannot terminate employees using legitimate medical leave for taking the time off from work. This protection includes employees taking time under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
If you have questions about your eligibility to file a claim, contact our labor and employment attorneys today. We can explain what to do if you were unjustly terminated from your job.
Additional Exceptions in Massachusetts
Even beyond the well-known exceptions to at-will employment, there are many other situations where a firing may cross the line into unlawful territory. In some cases, the issue isn’t the reason an employer gives, but the real motive behind the decision.
When a termination is used as punishment, a cover-up, or a way to silence an employee who exercised their rights, it may qualify as wrongful termination under state or federal law. Some additional examples include, but are not limited to:
- Retaliation for wage complaints
- Retaliation for reporting overtime violations
- Termination after requesting ADA accommodations
- Termination based on how one votes or their political contributions
Public Policy Exemption
The public policy exemption also protects workers acting in the best interest of the public. For example, a worker can not lose a job for:
- Refusing to act in a manner that violates state law
- Reporting a violation of the law
- Acting in the greater interest of the public
- Serving on a jury
Covenant of Good Faith
In Massachusetts, employers must act in good faith. This exception may prevent them from firing employees who:
- Are due to receive a scheduled raise, bonus, or promotion
- Are about to receive a large commission
- Have been given positive performance reviews and were led to believe that their employment was secure
This list is not exhaustive. If your employer fires you in any other manner in violation of a good-faith employment agreement, you have the right to pursue legal action.
In addition to wrongful termination cases, our team includes discrimination, FMLA, and wage theft and overtime lawyers in Boston, among other employment law attorneys who bring their collective experience to help build your case.
Make Sure to File Your Wrongful Termination Claim on Time
If your employer wrongfully terminated you, you will have a limited time to file a wrongful termination lawsuit against your employer. While some exceptions to this time limit may apply, you must reach out to an experienced wrongful termination lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet all applicable deadlines in Massachusetts.
Your attorney can determine whether you qualify for an exception and complete and file all the required documents on time.
Get Help from Our Team After a Wrongful Termination in Boston
The best way to improve your chances of recovering the money you need after being wrongfully terminated from your position is by securing the services of an experienced attorney. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we understand the challenges faced by those who have lost their jobs due to wrongful termination.
Our team of experienced attorneys will work diligently to ensure you recover the money you need and deserve. Contact us today by giving us a call or completing our online contact form to set up your free initial case evaluation with a member of our legal team.
A Boston wrongful termination attorney can review your case, answer all your questions, and advise you of your legal options.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form