Wrongful termination happens when someone is fired from their job because of a protected status. This can be any number of things, so if someone believes they have been wrongfully terminated, it is a good idea to speak with a lawyer and find out if there is a case. If someone is wrongfully terminated and it can be proven, the person may be able to receive compensation for the termination.
Work With a Lawyer
The most important thing anyone can do if they feel they were wrongfully terminated is speak with a lawyer like those at MJSB Employment Justice as soon as possible. A lawyer can review the situation to determine if there is a case and, if so, what damages the client can receive. Some of the types of damages the person may receive include the following.
Lost Pay
The basis of a wrongful termination claim is that the client is no longer employed and, therefore, not receiving the pay expected. The loss of pay awarded in a lawsuit can vary based on how long it took to find a new job and how much the person made in a typical year. If the new job pays less, it is possible that the difference in income could also be covered under lost pay.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses can be claimed with wrongful termination. Typically, these include therapy and related costs, not emergency medical attention. It can also include medication to help with the person’s mental health or provide medical equipment that may be needed. Depending on how severe an impact the job loss had on a person’s mental health, medical expenses to help them recover can be high.
Cost of Job Searches
There are a surprising number of expenses that come with looking for a new job, especially if travel is needed for interviews. When someone is looking for a new job because of wrongful termination, these expenses can be included in the claim for compensation.
Cost for an Attorney
The person who was terminated would not have hired an attorney if the termination didn’t happen, so the cost of hiring an attorney can be included in the damages that are requested. Depending on how long it takes to reach a settlement, this can end up being a significant amount of money. An attorney can let the client know if this is possible and, if so, how much of the money paid for legal assistance can be covered.
Punitive Damages
It is possible that the company has wrongfully terminated someone in the past and been sued because of it. Judges do not look favorably on companies that do this, so if this is not the first time it has happened, it’s possible the client can receive punitive damages on top of the compensation received through their claim.
If you’ve been fired from a job and believe you were wrongfully terminated, it’s important to speak with a lawyer about your case as soon as possible. They can give you more insight into whether you have a case and, if so, the amount of das you could receive. Do this before accepting any settlement offer from the company, as they are likely trying to just offer the smallest amount possible and you could be owed more.
