Losing a job is always difficult, but being fired unfairly makes it even harder. Fortunately, your Washington, D.C. employment litigation lawyer can help. At Eric Siegel Law, we’ve been helping our clients for over 30 years. Now, we’re ready to use our experience to help you. Read on to learn more about unfair firings, and contact us today to get started.
Review The Circumstances
The first step is to look closely at why you were fired. Review any termination letter, written communication, or notes from meetings with your employer. Ask yourself whether the reason given matches your experience at work. Sometimes employers provide a vague explanation, while other times they may give a reason that does not hold up under review, such as discrimination. Taking time to gather and organize this information is important for deciding what to do next.
Collect Documentation
It helps to gather all documents related to your employment. This may include your job offer, employment contract, employee handbook, performance reviews, and emails that shed light on your situation. If you have notes about conversations with supervisors or HR, keep those as well.
Consider Workplace Patterns
Unfair termination often does not happen in isolation. Think about whether you faced patterns of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation before being fired. For example, were you treated differently than coworkers? Did you make a complaint about workplace conduct that might have triggered retaliation? Identifying these patterns can help establish the bigger picture of what happened.
Seek Professional Guidance
Wrongful termination cases can involve complicated legal questions. Employment laws vary, and not every unfair firing is unlawful. That is why it can be helpful to talk with an employment litigation lawyer. They can review your documents, listen to your story, and explain what legal options are available.
Explore Internal Avenues
Before moving forward legally, you may want to consider whether your employer has an internal appeals process. Some companies have grievance procedures that allow employees to challenge a termination. While not always effective, this step can create an additional record of your attempt to resolve the issue.
File A Complaint If Needed
If your firing appears to violate employment laws, filing a complaint with the appropriate agency may be the next step. Agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) handle claims involving discrimination, while state labor departments may address wage-related issues.
Take Care Of Yourself
Job loss can create financial and emotional stress. Along with handling the legal and professional steps, it is also important to take care of yourself during this time. This may mean filing for unemployment benefits, looking at new job opportunities, or seeking support from family and friends. Balancing these actions with your legal steps can help you move forward more steadily.
Contact Us Today
At Eric Siegel Law, we know how overwhelming it can feel to lose a job unfairly. Having the guidance of an employment litigation lawyer can help you understand your rights and decide on the best next step. If you believe you were fired unlawfully, reach out to us today. We are here to review your situation and provide the support you need to move forward.