Connecticut is an at-will employment state. That essentially means one thing – Your employer can fire you for any reason. They aren’t even required to give a notice. However, if you were terminated from your job in direct violation of state and federal laws, you have the right to take action. Cases of wrongful termination are inherently complex and hard to fight, which is why having an employment lawyer on your side is crucial. Top law firms like Carey & Associates P.C. can offer the support and representation you need. This handbook answers a few common questions for employees.
What are common circumstances for wrongful termination?
In many cases, employees have a case of wrongful termination when they have been fired in direct violation of their employment contract. If your employer fired you because you filed a sexual harassment complaint or a discrimination case, it is a case of wrongful termination. There are also situations where employees have been fired because they engaged in whistle-blowing activities or because they complained about not getting the due wages or overtime payments.
What steps should one take after wrongful termination?
First and foremost, you must write down the story of how you have been fired. You don’t have to be a legal expert to do that because your story is persuasive enough to proceed further. Next, collect as much evidence as you can, and the sooner you do that, the better. For instance, if you were fired immediately after filing a workers’ compensation claim, it is a clear indicator of retaliation. You should also gather tangible proof, which includes emails, text messages, and internal memos. If you know other colleagues or workers who have gone through the same, their testimonials can be useful. Because employers know the consequences of wrongful termination, they are usually smart about reasons, which is why the evidence is even more critical.
Is it necessary to hire an employment lawyer?
Yes, it is wise to have an employment law attorney on your side before you take the next step after wrongful termination. Keep in mind that your employer already has a legal team and will do everything to protect their interests. Like most employees, you may not understand the legalese or how to take the next step, and an attorney can educate and nurture you accordingly. They will explain all legal options you can consider for the given circumstances and what you can do to protect your rights.
How do you choose a wrongful termination lawyer?
First, choose an attorney who fights for employees and is unlikely to have a conflict of interest. If the same lawyer is working for your employer in another case, they cannot be fair to you. Next, check whether the attorney has experience handling wrongful termination cases and ask about their success rate and recent outcomes. You can also compare local employment lawyers based on reviews and ratings. Schedule a meeting with the chosen attorney and consider whether you feel comfortable and confident talking to them. Clients often have similar questions, but a capable lawyer will never hesitate to answer them.
What should you expect when taking up a wrongful termination lawsuit?
Your lawyer will fight for your rights, and if you are successful, you can regain your job, lost wages, and other benefits. In some cases, it is even possible to recover punitive damages. Experienced wrongful termination lawyers are capable of representing clients at hearings and during negotiations, ensuring they don’t compromise on their rights. The outcome also depends largely on what you seek, which could be your job, financial compensation, or both.
Shortlist potential wrongful termination lawyers in Connecticut to take your case forward.