If you’ve been employed at will, it means that your employer has the power to terminate your employment without providing any prior notice or reason. But it’s crucial to understand that there are situations where your dismissal could still be considered unlawful. Therefore, your employer must have valid and legal reasons to justify your termination, otherwise, it could be a wrongful termination. Be aware of your rights and what constitutes unlawful termination. If you have been unlawfully terminated, reach out to a New York employment lawyer.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from wrongful termination.
Understanding the Legality of Your Termination:
When your employer lets you go from your job, it could be due to different reasons such as not meeting expectations or breaking company rules. But, it’s important to understand if your dismissal was done according to the law. If your employer fired you because of factors like your race, gender, age, or disability, then that would be violating your constitutional rights.
Similarly, if you got fired for reporting a case of discrimination or assisting in an investigation related to an incident at work, that would be seen as an act of revenge from your employer, and therefore illegal. It’s essential to know whether your termination was lawful and to get legal help if you suspect any wrongdoing.
The Importance of Evidence in Proving Wrongful Termination:
When you believe that your termination was illegal, proving it can be challenging. This is because your employer will also have their side of the story. It’s important to come prepared with evidence to support your case.
Some examples of evidence that can help you include emails, witness testimonies from coworkers, and performance reviews. Anything that can help dispute your employer’s reasoning for your termination is valuable. Having evidence to back up your case can make a significant difference in proving wrongful termination.
Taking Legal Action for Wrongful Termination:
If you believe that your employer fired you wrongfully, you have the option to take legal action against them. You can file a discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) – a federal agency, or with the New York Division of Human Rights – a state administrative agency.
Final Thoughts:
In case you are a New York resident, you can file a complaint with the New York Commission of Human Rights. These agencies handle cases of discrimination and can investigate the situation further. Taking legal action can help you defend your rights and potentially receive compensation for any damages incurred due to wrongful termination.
