Wrongful dismissal is the illegal termination of an employee. Illegal reasons usually involve firing an employee because of their membership to a protected class such as age, sex, nationality, race, color, origin, and disability, a breach in the terms in the employment agreement, or retaliation for filing a complaint against your employer.
Losing your job because of unfair reasons can be emotionally and financially distressing. A New Jersey employment lawyer can help you navigate the laws that protect you from being wrongfully dismissed and determine the correct legal route to ensure you receive your rightful compensation.
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What should you do?
Remain objective.
While the loss of your job and, consequently, your livelihood can be frustrating, you must behave calmly and rationally. If you are influenced by your emotions and act uncivilly, it may affect your case. Do not use offensive language with your supervisors or attempt to destroy corporate property. Consult a skilled lawyer immediately to understand your options.
Evidence.
It is unlikely that your employer will admit to firing you for the wrong reasons to avoid legal consequences. It is essential to gather as much evidence as possible to strengthen your case. Document any conversations, details, witnesses, pictures, and emails that benefit your claim. Try to access your personnel file. Make a record of your personal experience of events you think could have resulted in the termination.
File a charge with federal agencies.
Several federal agencies exist to protect the rights of employees. Filing a charge with the agency pertaining to the illegal reason you were dismissed results in a careful investigation of your situation. These help you negotiate and reach a settlement for your damages with the employer or take them to trial in court.
Lawsuit.
A lawsuit without the presence of a skilled lawyer is challenging and can result in a negative outcome. Your lawyer has the specialized knowledge and experience that enables them to represent you in court. They help you understand the procedure involved and clarify any doubts. Based on your case, you can seek compensation for economic, compensatory, and punitive damages. You may also be entitled to lawyer’s fees if you win the case.
Choose the right lawyer for your case to ensure the favorable result of your case. They should have experience relevant to your case and a high success rate with past cases. A good lawyer understands your situation and puts in every effort to help you.