Being fired from your job can have a major impact on your life. It can make it difficult for you to pay your bills and stay afloat financially. After being fired, your main focus is likely going to be filing for unemployment and finding a new job. While in many instances a firing feels unfair, it is often legal. However, if you were fired illegally, you can take legal action. If you are thinking about suing your previous employer for wrongful termination, here are three things that you should know.
What Constitutes Wrongful Termination
Across the US, most employment is "at will" meaning you can be fired at any time and for any reason as long as it is not illegal. However, there are a few situations that are the exception to this rule. If you were fired due to discriminatory reasons, such as your age, race, sex, pregnancy, disability, or religion, you may be able to sue for wrongful termination. You also cannot be fired as retaliation for taking part in protected activities such as whistle-blowing. Being fired while having a written contract or oral agreement that guarantees job security may also be wrongful termination.
A Lawyer Can Help
Determining whether or not you were wrongfully terminated can be difficult. The laws around wrongful termination may be complex and you may be unsure of whether or not your lawsuit will be successful. The good news is that wrongful termination lawyers can help. A lawyer will help you determine whether or not you have a case against your former employer. It's also important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible since you only have a certain amount of time to file a claim. The statute of limitation for this type of claim is typically somewhere between 180 and 300 days after the wrongful termination.
The Cost of A Lawsuit
Before suing for wrongful termination, it's also important to consider the cost of suing. Costs can vary depending on the complexity of your case and your lawyer's fees. Most wrongful termination lawyers work on contingency while others charge either an hourly fee or a combination of an hourly fee and a contingency fee. The average contingency fee for this type of case is between 30 and 35 percent while hourly rates typically range from $150 to $350 per hour.
If you are considering suing for wrongful termination, there are a few things that you should know. First, you should determine whether or not your situation constitutes a wrongful termination. Wrongful termination lawyers can help you decide whether or not you should seek legal action. Costs of suing can vary. Most lawyers charge a contingency fee; however, some charge by the hour.