Wrongful Termination in Buffalo, NY

What Is Wrongful Termination?

Any employer has discretion over the hiring and firing of employees. Still, there are certain circumstances where a worker can file for wrongful termination. Termination becomes wrongful when it violates New York law, federal law, or an employment agreement. Being fired from a job is never easy. A dedicated wrongful termination lawyer understands your rights as an employee and will fight to protect them.

Most Buffalo employers and employees have at-will employment relationships. This is consistent with New York State’s at-will employment doctrine. However, the New York Attorney General reports that there are several exceptions to the state’s at-will policy. These exceptions include discrimination against a member of a class under protections, implied contracts, and breach of an employment contract. Additionally, at-will may not apply in Buffalo if there is a collective agreement in place.

Types Of Wrongful Termination

In Buffalo, there are many different instances where wrongful termination can take place. In some cases, an employer is ignorant of labor laws and may not even realize they have erred. This is why big corporations rely on human resources experts. You should always turn to an attorney if you suspect wrongful termination. In the following paragraphs are some of the red flags that you should watch out for.

Limitations of At-Will Employment

Because one of the most common forms of employment is at-will, there are limitations to this. At-will employment doesn’t allow an employer to fire a person for any discriminatory reason. State, federal, or local Buffalo laws prohibit these reasons.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, New York does not have right-to-work legislation. This means that a Buffalo employer can require an employee to pay union dues as a condition of employment. Of note, this is regardless of whether the employee chooses to join the union or not.

An employer also can’t fire an employee as a form of retaliation for reporting any illegal activities within the company. Were you fired for any of these reasons? If so, you may be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit against your employer.

Discrimination

Discrimination is one of the most common forms of wrongful termination. When an employee is fired because of their race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, pregnancy, age, or disability, it violates established laws meant to protect specific personal characteristics. There are also some states that prohibit employers from discriminating based on the gender identity or the sexual orientation of their employees.

If you believe that you have been penalized or fired in Buffalo for one of these discriminatory reasons listed above, you may be able to file a claim with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. An experienced Buffalo, NY attorney can walk you through the process to help ensure the best possible outcome.

Retaliation

Your employer can’t fire you for certain protected activities. For example, your employer can’t fire you for taking medical leave, or for participating in an investigation of job violations and wage violations. Additionally, filing a complaint with the EEOC, or informing your employer about discrimination or harassment, are not fireable offenses. 

The New York Department of Labor (DOL) states that it is illegal for a Buffalo employer to discharge, penalize, or retaliate in any way against an employee for any actions under protection. Under state law, these actions under protection include making a complaint about a Labor Law violation. Additionally, the law protects a Buffalo employee who testifies in a Labor Law investigation. The DOL has the authority to order payment of lost compensation to the Buffalo employee. Moreover, the DOL can assess a penalty for the Buffalo employer from $1,000 up to $20,000.

There are some states that also prevent employee termination for taking time off to vote, perform jury duties, or serve in the military. You also have some protection if your employer has fired you for reporting a violation of safety laws or environmental regulations.

What To Do If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated In Buffalo, New York

Are you suffering from wrongful termination? You may be entitled to compensatory damages, reinstatement, back pay, and other forms of relief. However, the exact definition of wrongful termination will depend on where you live. To find out, contact a dedicated and qualified wrongful termination lawyer. Discuss your circumstances and the laws that your employer has to follow in your area.

Remember that there are usually time constraints on how long you can wait to file your claim, so don’t delay. This could cause evidence to slip through your fingers or you may miss the deadline altogether. You want a favorable outcome and so will your lawyer, so try to approach your case as proactively as possible, even before you are certain you have one.

According to the New York State Division of Human Rights, a Buffalo employee must file a state employment discrimination complaint within one year of the adverse act. If you are filing a federal claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, you must file within 300 days of the incident.

Step One: Gather Evidence

It’s important to start gathering all the evidence you can, no matter how small. Ideally, you had reason to suspect that your employer might terminate you wrongfully and started the process some time before. If you need to return to the office to clear out your desk or still have access to the work email, use the opportunity wisely. However, be mindful of any employment agreements or confidentiality issues.

Step Two: Find an Attorney

Hiring an experienced Buffalo, NY wrongful termination lawyer will help you take the first steps so that you make a strong case to get the outcome you seek. Buffalo employment laws are intricate and are constantly changing. Therefore, you should always work with an attorney who focuses on this specific area.

Step Three: File a Complaint

If you have not yet had your case reviewed by an attorney, the EEOC built a self-evaluation tool to help you decide if filing a claim with them is an appropriate way to handle your case. An attorney simplifies this part of the process by helping you to write the complaint. You serve your employer notice. Then, the resolution process starts there. Note that not all cases make it to a courtroom as some employers prefer to settle.

According to the New York Attorney General, a Buffalo employee has several ways to file an employment discrimination complaint.  For example, you can file with the New York State Attorney General’s Office. You may also file with the  New York State Division of Human Rights. If you file with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Buffalo Local Office will handle the investigation.

Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Buffalo, New York

Filing a wrongful termination lawsuit in Buffalo, New York can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve been treated unfairly by your employer. Speaking to an experienced lawyer can help you to understand what legal rights you have as a victim and if your case is applicable for wrongful termination. For some people, the opportunity to have someone listen helps to ease the burden they’ve been carrying.

We understand that finding the right attorney can be hard. This is why we created our service to connect clients in need with experienced attorneys. To match with the right lawyer, you simply provide your location, category, and some other additional information. We then send you your options as soon as they are available.

Our company charges no fees to connect you with the legal services you need. Some Buffalo attorneys or practice areas may require legal fees upfront, but there are many that do not. Some professionals may not charge a single penny at all until they win your case.

Are you ready to find a qualified Buffalo attorney who can help you fight for your job or get justice for the wrongful termination you suffered?

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