If you are reading this, it means that you or a loved one has become a victim of wrongful termination. Wrongful termination can take a toll on your overall well-being and professional life. However, do not consider it the end of the road.
Here are some crucial steps you can take to find justice after facing wrongful termination.
1. Stay Collected and Professional
The news of being terminated can upset even the most relaxed person. Even if your first instinct is to ask the concerned person the reason for this unfair decision and demand justification, you must just take a deep breath and remain collected.
Yes, it can feel unjust, but anything you say while filled with rage can negatively affect your case. If you plan to pursue legal action, you must leave on a calm note. This ensures that you give your employer a chance to blame you for misconduct or unprofessional behavior.
2. Request a Formal Termination Letter
Once you have made up your mind to take legal action against your employer, you must ask them for a formal letter of termination. Your termination letter can be a crucial addition to the documentation you need to strengthen your case and find justice.
Make sure that you ask your employer to state a clear reason for your dismissal. With the help of a trustworthy wrongful termination lawyer, the contents of this letter can lead to revealing discrepancies if their stated reasons conflict with other evidence.
3. Go through Your Employment Contract
If your employee needs more time to draft a termination letter, utilize this time to review your employment contract. Your goal is to look for any agreements that you may have signed when you were hired by the company.
Remember to pay special attention to clauses that outline the conditions of termination, severance packages, and other relevant terms. This step can help you understand your rights and make or break your hopes about whether you will be compensated or not.
4. Gather Evidence
If you feel confident to take action after reading the employment contract, you must start collecting evidence to support your claim of wrongful termination. Without necessary evidence, proving your employer’s fault is next to impossible.
From text messages to emails, witness statements, and performance reviews, you must set aside any bit of information that shows unfair treatment. This evidence can help you maximize your settlement from negotiations. If you have hired a wrong termination attorney, make sure to share this evidence with them to strengthen your case even further.
5. Revisit Events Leading up to Termination
After all the necessary evidence has been collected, take some time to sit back and think about what really happened. Start taking notes of everything you remember. This can include the time, dates, and any incidents that stand out.
This documentation can help establish a timeline and provide context for your case. You can also share these notes with your wrong termination lawyer to review. Some parts of it may make it easier for them to assess the situation and be able to help you.
6. Know Relevant Laws in Your State
What constitutes wrongful termination in your state may not create a similar impact for employees in another state. The law surrounding wrongful termination can differ from one state to another. A generic understanding of wrongful termination may not be a lot of help in practical scenarios.
When you understand what constitutes wrongful termination in your state, you may feel more tempted to take legal action and find your rightful justice. The stronger the claim you have, the more hopeful you will eventually feel.
7. Seek Legal Counsel
The legal world surrounding wrongful termination can be very complex. Trying to navigate through these intricacies by yourself can be overwhelming and may undermine the potential of your case. That is why trusting a legal professional, such as a wrongful termination lawyer, can be very helpful.
Expert wrongful termination lawyers have years of experience dealing with relevant cases. Based on their expertise, they can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit if necessary.
The best part about having an expert wrongful termination lawyer by your side is that they can handle all the hard work, such as the paperwork, negotiations, and more. This way, you can easily deal with the stress of the situation.
8. Try for a Settlement
If you want to avoid the prolonged legal battle, you can see whether your employer is willing to settle out of court. You can discuss this possibility with your attorney and devise a course of action with them for favorable outcomes.
During mediation, both parties meet with a neutral third party to discuss a possible resolution. A settlement can help you avoid the stress of court and find a quicker solution without the need to go to trial.
9. Focus on Your Well-Being
Dealing with a wrongful termination can take a toll on your well-being. At times, you may doubt yourself and your abilities. While shaking such thoughts off can be a challenge, taking care of your mental and physical well-being cannot be overlooked.
In such challenging times, it is always recommended to keep your support system close. This may include your friends and family members, as well as a professional counselor. Remember, you can only overcome this backlash when you look forward.
10. Focus on the Future
Coming to acceptance of wrongful termination and its aftermath can put you in a state of limbo. Even the most talented employees feel as if their talents are not enough or that they will not be able to find a suitable job opportunity.
Instead of letting this event become a defining factor of your career, you must focus on a fresh start. Do not just sit and wait to explore new job opportunities and update your resume. While fighting your case is essential, focusing on your future career path can also bring a sense of purpose.
