Losing your job unexpectedly can be devastating for many reasons—but if you believe that your workplace terminated you unfairly or unlawfully, you may have legal grounds to challenge your wrongful termination. If you know what wrongful termination looks like from a legal standpoint, you can build a case to reclaim your job or demand compensation. Let a South Jersey employment lawyer at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC tell you what you need to know.
How Do You Know if You Were Wrongfully Terminated?
If your workplace fires you because of discrimination or retaliation, you might have a valid claim to file for wrongful termination. By law, employers cannot fire you for reasons that have to do with your race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics. They also cannot fire you for reporting workplace misconduct, such as harassment or safety violations. Additionally, both federal laws and New Jersey state laws protect employees who need to take medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or file for Workers’ Compensation benefits after an injury. Also, employees have the right to organize unions, report wage violations, and file complaints with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) without feeling threatened by a potential job loss.
What Are Examples of Wrongful Termination?
Employers sometimes fire workers for unlawful reasons while disguising the dismissal as a business decision. If your employer lets you go shortly after filing a complaint about workplace discrimination or illegal activity, you may have strong legal grounds for a claim. Other examples of wrongful termination include firings based on whistleblower retaliation (reporting fraudulent business practices, environmental violations, or unethical conduct within your company) and those due to a personal bias of a manager rather than legitimate performance concerns. Employers sometimes attempt to justify an illegal firing by citing vague or inconsistent reasons.
What Are Your Legal Rights After Being Wrongfully Terminated?
While many employees in New Jersey work under an “at-will” arrangement, which allows employers to terminate employment for almost any reason, state law helps protect workers from unfair dismissals. Depending on the circumstances, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR), or file a lawsuit against your employer. The EEOC and state agencies will investigate claims of wrongful termination and discrimination in the workplace. If your employer violated anti-discrimination laws, the courts may award you with job reinstatement, damages for lost wages, or even financial compensation for pain and suffering. For employees working under a contract, you may even have a breach of contract claim that can come with additional compensation.
Let a Seasoned South Jersey Employment Lawyer at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC Help You if You Feel You Were Wrongfully Terminated from Your Place of Work
If you believe that your employer fired you unfairly and wish to pursue a wrongful termination case, speak to an experienced South Jersey employment lawyer at The Law Offices of Leo B. Dubler, III, LLC. They will review your case, explain your rights, identify potential violations of state and federal employment laws, and help you take legal action. Call 856-235-7075 or fill out the online contact form for a free consultation. With office locations in Mount Laurel and Atlantic City, New Jersey, clients in Cherry Hill, Burlington County, Camden County, and South Jersey are proudly served.