Wrongful Termination in Huntsville, AL
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 Alabama law, federal law, or an employment agreement. Getting fired from a job is never easy. A dedicated wrongful termination lawyer understands your rights as an employee and will fight to protect them.
No state laws cover wrongful termination for employees in Huntsville, according to the Alabama Department of Labor. However, federal law holds that no employee can lose their job because of discrimination due to their age, race, sexual orientation, or religion.
Types Of Wrongful Termination
In Huntsville, there are many different instances where wrongful termination happens. In some cases, an employer is ignorant of labor laws and may not even realize they have erred. This liability is why big corporations rely on human resources experts. You should always turn to an attorney if you suspect you experienced a 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 Huntsville laws prohibit these reasons.
Employees in Huntsville are generally “at-will” employees. This status means an employer can terminate your job at any time, for any reason, so long as that reason is not discriminatory, does not violate a contract or a collective bargaining agreement. However, the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation lists Alabama as a right to work state, which means your job may not have a collective bargaining agreement.
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 becomes fired because of their race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, pregnancy, age, or disability, it violates established laws that protect specific personal characteristics. Some states prohibit employers from discriminating based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
If you believe that you got penalized in Huntsville for one of these discriminatory reasons, you may file a claim with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. An experienced Huntsville, AL 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 cannot fire you for taking medical leave. Additionally, they cannot terminate employment 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 Alabama Whistleblower Protection Act protects a private or government employee from retaliation by an employer. Any employee in Huntsville who files a claim in good faith, reporting illegal or unsafe activities through the proper channels, and from harassment, threats, or termination by the employer.
Some states 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 violations of safety laws or environmental regulations.
What To Do If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated In Huntsville, Alabama
Have you been wrongfully terminated? 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 procrastination could cause evidence to slip through your fingers, or you may miss the deadline altogether. You want a favorable outcome, and so does your lawyer. So, try to approach your case as proactively as possible.
The Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission states that you have 180 days to file a claim if you hold a job with a business that employs 15 or more people. Remember, the sooner you file a discrimination claim, the stronger your case will be. An experienced Huntsville attorney can help you with this process.
Step One: Gather Evidence
It’s crucial 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, use the opportunity wisely. However, be mindful of any employment agreements or confidentiality issues.
Step Two: Find an Attorney
Hiring an experienced Huntsville, AL wrongful termination lawyer will help you take the first steps so that you make a strong case to get the outcome you seek. Huntsville 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 court because some employers prefer to settle.
The Alabama Department of Labor urges any Huntsville employee to file a claim if you feel you are the victim of discrimination. The charge must be in writing and contain your name, the offending party’s name, and the date of the infraction. You can file your claim by phone, online, or using the online portal.
Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer In Huntsville, Alabama
Filing a wrongful termination lawsuit in Huntsville, Alabama 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. For some people, the opportunity to finally have someone listen also helps to ease the burden they carry.
We understand that finding the right attorney can be hard. This difficulty 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 other 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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville attorney who can help you fight for your job or get justice for the wrongful termination you suffered?
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
