Exploring Your Legal Options For Wrongful Termination Concerns
For anyone asking what type of lawyer do I need for wrongful termination, finding the right answer to this question should begin with an understanding of what is considered a wrongful termination.
Massachusetts maintains the legal doctrine of “at-will employment,” meaning that either party, employer or employee, can end the working relationship at any time, for any reason at all. There is no obligation for the employer to employ anyone, and there is no obligation for the employee to continue the working relationship as well.
Should an employer need to lay off staff due to budgetary concerns or poor performance, the employer can let that employee go, oftentimes, without giving a reason. The same idea applies to the employee themselves, as if they simply don’t like their job or have found a better opportunity, they can leave their current employer at any time, without providing a reason.
Common Examples of Unlawful Terminations in Massachusetts
A wrongful termination, or what is sometimes called an “unlawful firing,” would need to violate the terms of an employment contract, a collective bargaining agreement, a public policy, or an anti-discrimination law. Workforces that are unionized sometimes have additional protections, including terms outlined in their contracts and collective bargaining agreements.
Public policy exceptions and anti-discrimination laws provide protections to workers in Massachusetts and the nature of “at will employment,” but proving that your employer fired you “wrongfully” calls for the legal expertise and knowledge of a qualified employment lawyer.
These are just some of the most common examples of wrongful terminations in Massachusetts:
- Being let go due to your age, race, gender, gender identity, skin color, religion, sexual orientation, or medical condition / disability / handicap.
- Being let go as a form of retaliation on behalf of the employer, either due to filing a complaint with human resources, or for reporting inappropriate behavior from supervisors or fellow staff or managers.
- Terminations as a result of refusing unsafe work, being injured on the jobsite, or for refusing to participate in illegal activity.
- Being terminated as a result of participating in a civic duty such as jury duty.
Legal Resources For The Complexities of Wrongful Termination Cases
Fogelman Law employment law specialists can determine if a client has a legal case against their former employer for wrongful termination. Being let go for illegal or unjust reasons can have life-changing impacts, and our legal counsel can help you recover a settlement to which you are legally entitled.
Depending on the nature of your wrongful termination, you may need to explore different kinds of legal services. For instance, in most traditional wrongful termination cases, a client will need an employment lawyer. In other instances, should an employee be unionized, they are likely to need a labor lawyer to settle their legal challenges.
In some cases, wrongful terminations can also require a civil rights attorney or even a “whistleblower” lawyer. Should your civil rights have been violated due to a wrongful termination, those who have specialized in civil rights violations would be of great benefit. Further, should your termination be related to highlighting things like unsafe working conditions or toxic work environments, a whistleblower lawyer would be best suited for your needs.
What Type of Lawyer Do I Need for Wrongful Termination: How To Choose
Experience is paramount when finding the right lawyer for your needs. Those who bring expertise, knowledge, and a track record of success are sure to handle your case successfully. Larger law firms that maintain several specialists can also collaborate with one another, ensuring the client receives the absolute best treatment from start to finish. Sometimes, boutique law firms or independent lawyers may not have the experience or legal resources to handle difficult cases. When working with a firm, inquire about their experience with cases similar to yours, and learn about their track record of success.
Initial Steps When Assessing a Wrongful Termination Case
Many employment lawyers will begin to assess your case by gathering information, including employment contracts, email correspondence, workplace policies, and any other evidence you can provide to help support your case. Gathering information to support your wrongful termination case is crucial, and your employment lawyer will likely have many questions regarding the nature of your work and what unfolded on the jobsite.
Each wrongful termination case is unique, and gathering information to support the claim that your employer let you go unlawfully will require evidence, along with a deep understanding of labor laws in the state of Massachusetts.
Lean on Fogelman LLC For Guidance and Legal Counsel
It’s normal to be unsure of whether or not your termination was truly unlawful. That is why Fogelman LLC offers free consultations to any clients who are unsure if they have a case against their employer.
Find answers and clarity to the complexities of wrongful terminations and Massachusetts labor law alongside the many lawyers available and ready to serve your needs. While it may feel intimidating to fight for what is legally yours, our personalized service and legal resources continue to find success in a multitude of different wrongful termination cases. Our track record of success speaks volumes, and we are certain that our firm has the ability to help you find closure to these difficult times.
We are proud to offer free consultations to any client in Massachusetts unsure of where to begin. Even if a client doesn’t have the funds to pursue legal action, we offer competitive legal services on a contingent basis.
Should you not have access to funds and you are wrongfully terminated, you only pay if your case is won. Access legal services today entirely on a contingent basis and begin the process today with a free consultation. We are on your side during these challenging times.
Reach out to us directly via email to learn more.
