There is nothing more traumatizing than being fired from a job you love. Even imagining situations like cleaning your workstation without your will is emotionally devastating. But that is just the beginning of all the financial and emotional challenges.
Wrongful termination is a distressing experience, regardless of the reasons behind it. If you’re left frustrated and uncertain about the next steps, worry not!
To help you understand your rights and seek justice, this guide is going to shed light on the crucial steps that will empower you to navigate this challenge with confidence.
1.First, Try To Stay Calm
Upon learning about the layoff, it’s understandable to feel a range of different emotions. It could be anger, confusion, and anxiety, which need to be suppressed at that moment. For a number of good reasons, it is advised to stay calm and collected during the termination process.
Any impulsive reaction you make can significantly impact your ability and right to seek justice. Therefore, learn to stay calm and take note of all the statements your employer shares. This way, you can better plan your next steps for justice.
2.Start Gathering Your Documents
Moving forward to dealing with the aftermath, the next thing to consider is gathering all the significant documentation. There is some paperwork that you have done and documents that have been sent to you related to your case. This can include documentation related to your employment, such as contracts, performance reviews, witness statements, and emails.
All of these documents and information will act as invaluable evidence to support the case. This way, you can prove that your termination was unjust by the employer.
While collecting all the information, it is important for you to preserve this information properly and avoid sharing details with any of the former teammates in your office.
3.Review Your Employment Contract
While collecting your documents, take some time to carefully review your employment contract and all the company policies. During the hiring process, not many employees read thoroughly.
However, now you need to skim through this information so you can determine if your termination violates any agreements or regulations.
Pay careful attention to clauses related to termination procedures, severance pay, and dispute resolution mechanisms. If your employer fails to follow the proper procedures outlined, you can plan the following grounds for legal action.
4.Consult With a Termination Lawyer
Handling termination is emotionally and financially draining. Therefore, seeking guidance from an experienced termination lawyer is crucial. Depending on the employment laws in your state, the lawyer will prepare the grounds accordingly.
For example, if you reside in Colorado, a skilled and experienced wrongful termination attorney Colorado will protect your rights and assist you in navigating the legal process. When consulting with the attorney, ensure you provide all relevant information related to termination.
The lawyer will assess the strength of your case and suggest the best course of action.
5.File a Complaint
If you believe that you were terminated wrongly or there was discrimination, an attorney will advise you to file a complaint with the (EEOC). The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace.
Therefore, consider filing a complaint within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory action. In some states or cases, the deadline may be exceeded. The EEOC will investigate your claim and may attempt to resolve the dispute.
Moreover, you will be issued a right-to-sue letter to pursue legal action in court.
6.Explore Alternative Dispute Resolution
Generally, in most cases, pursuing alternative dispute resolution such as mediation or arbitration may lead to faster and less adversarial means of resolving wrongful termination claims.
In this process, a neutral third party will be facilitating the negotiation between you and your former employer to find the middle ground. This will lead to a mutually acceptable resolution among the parties.
However, depending on the case and intensity, this process isn’t always fruitful. But if you want to save yourself time and money from the traditional litigation process, this will help you with it.
7.Consider Filing a Lawsuit
If other avenues for resolution are unsuccessful, don’t worry. You can proceed with filing a lawsuit against your former employer for wrongful termination. The employment lawyer will better assist you in preparing all the legal documents that are essential for court proceedings.
Depending on the circumstance and situation in your case, you can be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This way, you will be financially covered for the punitive damages and attorney’s fees.
Therefore, ensure that you have an attorney by your side during this time. The attorney will better evaluate all the damages and income loss that you have borne because of discrimination and wrongful termination.
This way, you can demand fair and just compensation in court and protect your rights.
8.Don’t Forget To Take Care of Yourself
Dealing with wrongful termination is not simple. It can take a severe toll on your emotional and mental well-being. In such times, if you forget to take care of yourself, you won’t be able to make informed decisions for the next process.
Therefore, it is important for you to prioritize your self-care. Engage with your friends and seek therapy if needed. By participating in social and recreational activities, you will be able to feel better emotionally and mentally.
This way, you can alleviate stress and maintain your overall well-being while navigating the legal process.
Final Words:
Being wrongfully terminated is one of the challenging times in life. No one is ever prepared to handle this situation. But, it is essential to be aware of all the legal and employment rights and options to seek justice properly.
This way, you can professionally address the situation and secure your rights. Therefore, considering crucial steps is essential to hold your former employer accountable for these wrongful actions against you.
No wonder the road ahead is puzzling. But by utilizing resources and proper legal support, you can get through this challenging time in life.