Important things to know if you’ve been wrongfully terminated
Getting fired is a traumatic blow, one that you can never stay ready for. Work terminations tend to take a significant toll on your mental and emotional wellbeing, and what makes it worse is getting discharged on wrongful terms. Wrongful termination is considered a violation of the federal and state laws chargeable in a court of law.
Several employees have fallen victim to wrongful dismissal from work based on discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or contract breach. If you check any of the boxes for illegal firing, you are eligible to sue your employer for going against public policy. Lawyers at Brazeau Seller specialize in employment law and can offer professional assistance on how best to handle your termination. Here are some things clients should take note of if they have been wrongfully terminated;
Save your data
Losing your job can come with a myriad of emotions, a sense of shock, denial, and fear for the future; all these are natural reactions. While processing this earth-shattering news dropped on you, it is easy to forget to save your data from your work computer. It is always advisable to periodically store your personal and professional interest documents on a personal device. Your employer may ask you to vacate the premises upon your termination, and you may not have the time to back up the material you consider essential.
Process the termination
So, you just lost your job, and you are trying to keep your head above water; take time to process the situation for what it is. Time will give you clarity and perspective you may somewhat have overlooked over impulse. Do not be so quick to negotiate your severance package and lay off terms with your former employer, make consultations, and research the company’s policies. You will be assured of getting your benefits maximum worth before signing off any legal documents.
Have a written account
After your dismissal, write a detailed account of the situation and then retrieve any correspondence records and documents between you and your former employer that you may still have access to. Create a description of the occurrences leading up to your termination, including your exit interview and work nature. Having these details written down will be useful when reviewing your case with your lawyer. It ensures you do not miss out on even the minor details of your case.
Consult with an employment attorney
When pursuing justice for your unfair dismissal, it is always a good idea to talk it through with an employment attorney. Have the consultant give you a quote of the cost of hiring a lawyer and the speculative time frame of your case. Legal battles can be time-consuming and expensive; this is not to discourage you but to mentally and emotionally prep you for the ride. The appointment with your employment attorney will also help determine your case by analyzing your contract and the nature of your termination before establishing how strong of a suit you can build against your employer.
Don’t disparage your former colleagues
Explaining your side of the story can be tempting, especially when your performance is being put into question. You may find yourself inclined to blame your colleagues for the accusatory claims made about you. Keeping a level head is a hard call, especially when a co-worker or supervisor in question cost you your job. Ruffling up feathers with your former colleagues upon your departure can be damaging as they may give up prejudicial information based on the parting impression you made. Legal battles are so unpredictable, and you may need your co-workers’ or subordinates’ testimonies in court.
Avoid broadcasting your termination
Most people lose their jobs and need an ear to vent to and express their frustrations, which is quite understandable but not advisable. Being openly critical about your initial employer is not a good look for you; you never know who is reading through your posts and messages on social platforms. Take the time to think through your response to the situation, and consider how you would like to be perceived by colleagues and professional contacts when the dust finally settles. Networking contacts and potential employers are also known to scan through your social media activity before hiring you. You would not want to blow it over an emotional outburst online.
Nothing is as devastating as receiving that pink slip for a slew of reasons. Although getting fired is quite common, it can feel like you have hit rock bottom, Huge business shots like Steve Jobs and Oprah Winfrey credited losing their jobs to being an excellent learning opportunity. Wrongful termination can serve as the factor that propels you to the next level in your career when harnessed correctly. Take a moment to figure out your next move, come up with a brilliant game plan, and execute it!