Correcting Common Misinformation About Wrongful Terminations
Being terminated from a job can be a highly stressful experience. Unfortunately, individuals will often find that they are terminated by their employer in ways that violate their rights.
Myth: At-Will Employment Laws Offer No Recourse For Discriminatory Terminations
There are many individuals that work in states that have at-will employment laws. These laws provide for minimal protections for employees, and this can lead to individuals assuming that there is no recourse for terminations that were done in a discriminatory manner. While these laws give employers wide latitude in terms of firing employees, it is still illegal for these terminations to be done in a discriminatory manner against protected classes. Individuals that suspect that they have been terminated on the basis of these protected classes will need to consult with a wrongful termination attorney to learn about their options and to decide on a course of action.
Myth: Wrongful Termination Only Applies To Upper Level Managers And Executives
There is a common belief among some workers that wrongful termination laws will only apply to members of management or executives. However, these laws are intended to cover broad swaths of the workforce, and while there may be some exempted classes of worker, these are usually limited cases. It is generally prudent for all individuals to review the employment laws of their state to make sure that they are fully informed of their rights as workers. In addition to preventing abuses with terminations, this can also help to protect you in pay disputes and other common problems.
Myth: Wrongful Termination Lawyers Are Too Expensive For Recently Fired People To Afford
Unfortunately, being terminated from your job can result in an immediate and severe financial emergency. This can lead to people assuming that they will be unable to afford the legal representation that is needed to fight wrongful termination. However, these attorneys will typically only need to be paid once they have won or negotiated compensation for their clients.
Myth: You Must Return To Your Previous Employer If Your Case Is Successful
Victims of wrongful termination may assume that they will need to return to their previous job if they win their case. While this may be a desirable outcome for some people, it is common for these individuals to be resistant to return to their old workplace. For these individuals, the settlement can be structured as a monetary payment to account for the damages they suffered due to the termination.
To learn more, reach out to a wrongful termination lawyer near you.