Many employment arrangements are “at will,” meaning you are free to leave a position and your employer is able to terminate you at any time. However, people who lose their jobs after suffering a workplace injury, reporting a hostile work environment, or due to discrimination may be able to file an unlawful termination claim to collect compensation for any losses. If you believe you've been wrongfully terminated, your actions immediately afterward can have a significant impact on your case.

3 Tips for Handling an Unlawful Termination

1. Be Polite

As angry, hurt, and afraid as you may be, any actions you take to retaliate on your own will likely only hurt your chances of successfully filing a claim later. Try to maintain your composure, and avoid making threats about filing a lawsuit. Do not discuss the circumstances of your firing with coworkers until after your case is settled.

2. Collect Documentation

Get a copy of your employment records from HR, if possible, especially any performance reviews or other documentation that will help support your case. Print out any emails received from your employer, and take careful notes of everything that was said during the termination meeting. When you meet with a legal representative, you will want to present as much information and evidence as possible.

3. Speak to an Attorney

Due to the complexity of the law, determining whether you have a valid unlawful termination case usually requires the expertise of a lawyer with experience in this area. They will explain the law to you, help you decide whether further action is likely to achieve your goals, and outline the most likely outcomes of a suit.

The attorneys at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. have been protecting the rights of Hudson Valley, NY, workers for over 130 years, building a reputation for effective legal counsel and aggressive representation. Like them on Facebook for more legal tips today, visit their website to learn more about their labor law services, or call (845) 343-3000 if you believe you've been the victim of an unlawful termination.