Being wrongfully fired can make you feel unsure about what to do next or what your rights are. It’s important to deal with this situation directly because it can affect your career and many other aspects of your life. To deal with being wrongfully fired, you need to know what it means.
Wrongful termination happens when your employer fires you for illegal reasons or for discriminatory reasons. There are different ways this can happen. For example, you might be fired because of your race, gender, age, or other protected reasons. If you feel this describes your situation, then you need to take action. In this article, we will go over the steps to take if you’re in this situation.
1 – Initial steps
When you realize you have been wrongfully fired, it’s best to not get emotional as natural as it would be to do so. Getting angry or upset can make things worse. Take a moment to think about what to do next.
Take a look at your employment contract and company rules about firing. These documents often have important information about your rights and the steps your employer should follow.
Next, write down everything about your firing. Note the date, time, and place it happened. Record any conversations or messages about your termination. Write down the names of anyone who was there when you were fired.
This information will be helpful when you contact an employment lawyer such as those at HKM.com.
2 – Gather the evidence
Getting the right evidence is important after being wrongfully fired because this evidence can help show that your firing was illegal.
Start by collecting all important documents. These can include emails, messages, performance reviews, and pay stubs. These documents can show your work history and communication with your employer. Make copies of everything and keep them safe.
Save any physical and digital evidence that can help your case. This means keeping emails and messages on your computer or phone. If you have any written notes or printed documents related to your job, keep those safe too.
Witness statements can also help. If coworkers saw or heard anything about your firing, ask them to write down what they know. Their statements can support your case.
3 – Get legal advice
After collecting your evidence, it’s important to talk to an employment lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and what you can do next.
To find a good employment lawyer, ask friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations. You can also search online for lawyers who specialize in employment cases. Look for someone with good reviews and experience in wrongful termination cases.
Once you find a lawyer, set up a meeting. During this meeting, explain your situation and show the evidence you have. The lawyer will look at your case and tell you what steps to take. They can help you understand if you have a strong case and what to do next.