A strong wrongful termination case typically involves clear evidence that an employee was fired for an unlawful reason. It is illegal for employers to fire employees for discriminatory reasons, retaliation, or violating the terms of an employment contract.
A strong case may include documentation of the employer’s behavior, witness statements, or written agreements that show the termination was unfair. Gathering strong documentation can strengthen your case.
Our Boston wrongful termination lawyer can help you with these tasks, help you understand your rights, and handle your entire case. You can learn more during a free consultation.
Common Reasons for Pursuing a Wrongful Termination Case
Wrongful termination can happen in several situations, each involving different legal violations. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Discrimination: Firing someone based on protected characteristics, including race, gender, age, or disability, is illegal. For example, being dismissed after disclosing a pregnancy may be unlawful.
- Retaliation: Employers can’t dismiss you for reporting unlawful practices or exercising legal rights. Losing your job after filing a workplace safety complaint could qualify as retaliation.
- Contract violations: If your dismissal violates the terms of a written employment contract, such as being let go without cause when job security is guaranteed, it may be unlawful.
- Whistleblower retaliation: If you lose your job after reporting illegal activities like fraud or violations, whistleblower laws may protect you from unjust dismissal. Our firm can show you how to make a whistleblower complaint.
- FMLA violations: Being let go for taking or requesting leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can lead to a legal claim.
- Constructive discharge: If unbearable working conditions force you to resign due to harassment or discrimination, it could be treated as an illegal dismissal.
- Refusal to commit illegal acts: Being fired for refusing to engage in illegal activities, such as falsifying documents, is a form of wrongful dismissal.
- Retaliation for wage complaints: If you’re let go after complaining about unpaid wages or overtime, it may be considered retaliation and could be unlawful.
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Evidence You Can Use to Build a Strong Wrongful Termination Case
To build a strong case against your employer, gather all relevant evidence that shows your termination was unjust. This may include:
- Emails
- Performance reviews
- Witness statements
- Written agreements that contradict your employer’s actions
- Text messages
- Meeting notes
- Time cards or attendance records
- Pay stubs or financial records
- Company policies or employee handbooks
- Termination letters or notices
It’s also helpful to document the events leading up to your dismissal, including dates and details of any incidents or conversations that could support your claim.
Our Boston labor and employment law firm can review your evidence and advise you on how we could use it to establish your claims.
Recoverable Damages in Unlawful Termination Cases
You may be entitled to several forms of compensation for an illegal dismissal. Your damages will be unique to your circumstances and other factors. Generally, parties in these cases can demand:
- Back pay: Wages you would have earned from the time you were wrongfully terminated until the date of the court’s decision.
- Front pay: Compensation for future lost wages if reinstatement to your job isn’t possible.
- Reinstatement: You may be offered your job back if the court finds that your dismissal was unlawful.
- Emotional distress: Damages for the emotional harm caused by your wrongful termination, such as stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Legal fees: In some cases, your employer may be required to cover your legal costs related to the case.
- Punitive damages: Although rarely awarded, the court may award these damages to punish the wrongful behavior in cases involving an employer’s extreme misconduct.
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How Our Wrongful Termination Attorneys Can Help Your Case
Securing legal representation for a wrongful termination case can ensure that you handle your legal matter properly. Our legal team will review the details of your situation and advise you on how we can help.
In addition to gathering evidence for your case, we can handle all the documentation and filing deadlines. If your employer offers a settlement, we can negotiate for it.
If we cannot settle your case, we can help you file a lawsuit against your employer. We will present your case at trial and protect your legal rights throughout the process.
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Common Misconceptions About Wrongful Termination Cases
A common misconception is that being fired for an unfair reason automatically qualifies as a wrongful firing. Actually, a termination must violate specific laws, such as anti-discrimination statutes or contract terms, to be considered wrongful.
Another misconception is you can be fired for no reason in an at-will employment state. While this is true, employers still cannot fire someone for illegal reasons, like retaliation or discrimination.
Finally, some think they don’t need legal help if they have strong evidence. However, it is important to keep in mind that the legal system can be complex, with specific procedures and deadlines that must be followed. Without an attorney, you could overlook critical steps or miss key legal opportunities.
Additionally, employers that have legal teams can defend themselves against wrongful termination claims, making it harder for you to handle yours on your own. Our experienced legal team knows what to do and can lead your case to protect you from this possible outcome.
Call Us to Learn How to File a Strong Wrongful Termination Case
If you believe you were wrongfully let go from your position, call Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard for a review of your legal options. We will tell you what you must do to build a strong case against wrongful termination from your job.
Our experienced lawyers can review your situation, help you gather the necessary evidence, and guide you through the process. Contact our team today for a free consultation, and let us help you build a strong case to protect your rights and your future.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form