Being fired from your job can be devastating, especially if you do not have the means to provide without a constant paycheck. Not only can getting fired from your place of employment be detrimental to your daily life, but it can also negatively affect future employment opportunities. Although the reasoning for termination is typically based upon the discretion of the employer, there are instances where specific reasons are illegal. Employers are not allowed to terminate employees for the following discriminating reasons:
- Sexual Orientation
- Pregnancy
- Religious Beliefs
- Political Affiliation
- Nationality
- Gender
- Disabilities
- Age (40+)
- Mental Illnesses
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Sex
- Failure to engage in sexual activity
Employees also cannot be fired for taking leave under the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) or out of retaliation for reporting any of the employer’s illegal actions, like sexual harassment. This also includes their cooperation for participation in the investigation of the reported legal activity.
What Should I Do If I Was Fired for an Illegal Reason?
If you believe you have been illegally fired, it is important to seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney. This is known as wrongful termination, and you may be eligible to take legal action. Victims of wrongful termination who have a valid case are eligible to seek compensation by filing a lawsuit. Submitting these types of claims can be challenging without the proper experience, which is why it is so essential that you work with the right lawyer.
What Should I Look for When Finding a Good Employment Lawyer?
Finding the right employment lawyer for your case can be stressful when you don’t know what to be on the lookout for. Luckily we have curated a list of 5 things you should keep in mind during your search.
Experience
When taking legal action after being wrongfully terminated, it is not recommended to work with a lawyer who does not specialize in employment law. You want to have an attorney on your side with years of experience focusing on employment law and its cases.
Communication
How well a lawyer reviews and explains the details of your case to you is very important to consider. It’s always a good sign when a lawyer communicates your case review in a language easy for you, as someone not well versed in the intracacies of the legal system, to understand.
Availability
Your case deserves to be a priority, and you don’t want someone who doesn’t feel the same way to be responsible for your case’s success. Lawyers who take the time to put the client’s case first and prioritize responding anytime you want to reach out are essential to have on your side. Being left in the dark during the process of your case can be very frustrating, especially when you are not satisfied with your results.
Preparation
How your lawyer prepares to fight for your case is also important to consider when choosing the right one. It’s never a good idea to begin the process without feeling confident that your attorney’s ability to:
- Communicate with third parties
- Call you
- Interact with the opposing counsel
- Confidently understand the details of your case
- Correspond with the court in person and in writing
- Ensure that your case is staffed properly
Empathy
Wrongful termination can be one of the most challenging experiences someone has to go through, which can cause lots of vulnerability and mixed emotions. A good employment lawyer will focus on you and your situation and have a true passion for your unique scenario.
We Can Help
Here at Barkhordarian Law Firm, we are committed to offering you the support you need during such a difficult time in your life. No one deserves to have their life altered over discrimination and lack of justice. We will dedicate our time and energy to ensuring you get the results you deserve. Please don’t feel like you have to go through this alone. We are here to help you.
Contact us today at(888) 514-5112orvisit us onlineto schedule your free case review with a member of our team.