When you have worked for a company for an extended period of time and you are fired unexpectedly, it can be incredibly stressful. It is not uncommon for people to not understand why they were terminated from their position, especially if performance reviews have been fine and an employee does not have a negative work record. In some cases, an employee who has been fired may have reason to file a wrongful termination lawsuit if they were fired for a reason that is considered illegal by law. If you think that you are a victim of wrongful termination, your first step should be to hire an experienced lawyer. Some common reasons for illegal termination include:
Using Legally Protected Leave
If you meet the requirements for the Family and Medical Leave Act, your employer is mandated to hold your job during your unpaid leave. Common reasons that people use FMLA is to care for a newborn child and recover from giving birth, caring for an ill immediate family member, or to receive treatment for a medical condition. If you have taken time off in accordance with the rules of FMLA and you were terminated during your leave or shortly after returning to work, you may have a wrongful termination case.
Pregnancy
In most states, a pregnant employee is covered by employment discrimination laws. However, some employers find an employee to be less desirable once she is pregnant, since making arrangements for a person's job duties to be covered while she is out on maternity leave can be a hassle. If you have informed your employer that you are pregnant and have a good record of reviews and job performance but have been fired, it is well worth your time to consult with a wrongful termination attorney to review the facts of your case and fight for a settlement.
Filing a Workers Compensation Claim
Employers are required to carry workers compensation insurance in order to protect employees in the event that they are injured at work. If you get hurt while on the clock, it is your right to file for workers compensation. But, every workers compensation claim that pays out a settlement can increase an employer's insurance premiums, so some employers can become upset when claims are filed. If you are harassed or have lost your job after filing a workers compensation claim, an experienced wrongful termination attorney can help you.
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