Severance agreements provide protection to workers in the event of their termination. However, negotiating and enforcing a severance agreement can come with challenges. When working to secure a fair severance package, an experienced severance lawyer in Providence can help you through every step of the process.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, our experienced Providence labor and employment lawyers can address all your concerns and advise you about the terms of your severance agreement and what you can expect to receive. Get in touch with us today to set up a free, no-obligation case review with a member of our legal team.
How Severance Agreements Work
A severance agreement is a contract between an employee and their employer that determines the pay and benefits the worker will receive upon leaving the company. A severance agreement can include money, ongoing health insurance coverage, and additional benefits.
While employees benefit from these protections, they must give something in return. There may be clauses in your severance agreement that block you from working for a competitor or filing a lawsuit against your employer. Before signing a severance agreement, you need to understand some things about your situation to ensure you are protected. It is important to:
- Know your rights: Under state and federal law, you have rights that may protect you against any unfair business practices connected to your severance agreement and give you grounds to challenge certain terms of the contract.
- Understand that you don’t have to sign right away: You typically will have time to review a severance agreement before you sign. The terms of your severance may be negotiable, and it is important to understand your situation before signing.
- Pay attention to any restrictive clauses: It is important to fully understand any clauses in your severance agreement that limit your future job opportunities, such as non-competes or non-disclosures.
For a free legal consultation with a severance lawyer serving Providence, call (860) 999-9394
How a Severance Attorney Serving Providence Can Help
An experienced attorney can help with several aspects related to your severance package. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we are ready to protect you throughout the process and help ensure you get a fair severance agreement.
Reviewing Your Severance Agreement
We are here to review the terms of your severance agreement to help ensure you are getting a fair deal that respects your rights. During our review, we will identify whether there are any hidden terms or conditions that negatively impact the compensation or benefits you receive.
Negotiating More Favorable Terms
If the severance package being offered is unfair, we can negotiate for more favorable terms. This negotiation could involve seeking:
- Increased compensation
- Extended benefits
- Removal of any restrictive clauses
Protecting Your Rights
Your employer may try to pressure you into accepting unfair terms or avoid paying you the compensation and benefits they owe you. Our team will work to protect your rights and ensure your employer abides by all legal requirements.
Handling Legal Disputes
If there is a disagreement at any point in the severance process, we are here to help. We can work to resolve any issue through negotiation, mediation, or legal action, should that prove necessary.
Keeping You Informed
Our experienced team can answer any questions you have and help guide you through the severance process. We will ensure you are informed about every aspect of your situation so you can make the best decisions for your future.
Providence Severance Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
Explaining ERISA and How It May Impact Your Severance Agreement
ERISA, or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), creates standards regarding employee benefit plans. Federal law primarily focuses on retirement and health benefits. However, it also applies to any severance package that is structured as an ongoing program as opposed to a one-time payment.
If your severance agreement is impacted by ERISA, your employer must follow specific guidelines when administering your severance package. These guidelines dictate that the company must provide clear documentation and maintain consistent practices.
Under ERISA, you also have the right to access documents for your severance package. Furthermore, your employer must provide you with detailed explanations of any denied benefits and grant you the right to appeal any decision. An ERISA attorney in Providence, RI, can help you understand all your rights and options.
Click to contact our Providence Labor & Employment Lawyers today
ERISA Protections Can Help During Any Severance Pay Disputes
ERISA also provides legal protections that will come into play if any disputes arise regarding your severance benefits. Under ERISA, employees have to right to:
- Challenge a denial of benefits: If your severance benefits are denied by your employer, you can submit a formal appeal. This process protects your right to contest any unfair decisions.
- Transparency from employers: Your employer is required to provide you with clear and detailed information about your severance plan, including how benefits are calculated and when they will be paid.
- Take legal action: If your employer still refuses to provide the severance benefits you are entitled to after you file an appeal, ERISA grants you the right to take legal action to help you recover those benefits.
- Hold employers accountable: Under ERISA, employers have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of their employees when determining severance plans.
An experienced Providence severance attorney can help with every aspect of your case to help ensure your rights under ERISA are upheld.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get Help From a Knowledgeable Severance Lawyer in Providence Today
When reviewing a severance agreement before signing or if you are attempting to enforce the terms of an agreement, having an experienced severance attorney in Providence, RI, by your side can be critical. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we understand the challenges that can arise when dealing with severance agreements and will work diligently to protect your interests.
We can help you negotiate a favorable severance agreement and fight for your rights if your employer fails to uphold their side of the bargain. Call us or complete our online contact form today to set up a free case consultation with a member of our legal team. We can discuss your situation, and you can find out how our lawyers can support you throughout the process.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form