No matter the circumstances, getting fired from your job can be an incredibly stressful and unpleasant ordeal. However, when you know you have wrongful termination of the contract, these feelings increase by tenfold. For most individuals, their job is their main source of income, so losing access to this resource is not always an option.
We are normally taught to accept being let go and not question the ulterior motive. However, it’s important that you ensure you are being fired for the right reasons. If you believe your employer has wrongfully terminated you or breached the agreement of your contract, you may be entitled to some compensation.
So, what should you do if you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated?
If you believe you’ve been the victim of wrongful termination, you should seek out legal guidance from professionals like HKM Employment Attorneys. A team of legal experts will help you understand whether you have a case and what action should be taken.
To help you navigate through the nuances of this situation, we’ve compiled a simple guide that highlights some of the most common types of wrongful termination in the workplace. Keep reading to find out what they are…
Getting Fired Under the Pretence of Discrimination
Getting fired as a result of your race, gender, nationality, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation is completely illegal. If you believe you are being treated unfairly and that you’ve been fired because of discrimination, you may be able to make a claim against your employer.
Getting Fired for Whistleblowing
Similarly, you cannot be fired if you decide to speak out against some type of discrimination in the office. This is also known as whistleblowing. Generally speaking, you should be able to speak out against a hostile work environment without the fear of being demoted or terminated.
Getting Fired for Maternity Leave
If you have worked for your employer for more than a year, or more than a total of 1,250 hours, you are an eligible candidate for FMLA leave. The Family Medical Leave Act allows individuals to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under special circumstances. This can include scenarios such as the birth of a newborn child or caring for a family member with a serious medical condition.
Getting Fired for Claiming Worker’s Compensation
Your employer has a duty to keep you safe whilst you are on the job. However, accidents happen and sometimes these can result in a serious injury. If you were injured at work, you may be entitled to worker’s compensation. However, if your employer fires you after you try to claim benefits, this is grounds for wrongful termination.
Even if you have been wrongfully terminated, it’s important that you always remain professional. There’s no need to lose your decorum in the work environment. If your employer behaves irrationally and unfairly, you should never stoop to their level. Keep your head held up high and let the legal system iron out the injustices.
