Wrongful Termination in Juneau, AK
Wrongful termination lawsuits have created banner headlines in Juneau. For example, a local jury rendered a $1.2 million verdict in October 2022.
The loss of a job is never easy to handle. Regardless, the loss of income and impacts on your career can be harsh. The financial damage and emotional roller coaster that follows may call for legal action to protect your interests. Accordingly, reading this guide today can help you discover if you deserve compensation.
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 Alaska 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.
For instance, you have more options when you have an employment contract. Civil Pattern Jury Instructions provide insight into the financial penalties for breaking this agreement in Juneau. There are two methods the court can use to assess the damage. However, either arrangement involves taking the amount the employee would have received minus payments up to the termination date.
Types Of Wrongful Termination
In Juneau, there are many different instances where wrongful termination can take place. For example, an employer might be ignorant of labor laws and may not even realize they have erred. This inexperience is why big corporations rely on human resources experts.
You should always turn to an attorney if you believe you were a victim of wrongful termination. The following paragraphs include some common red flags you will want to consider.
Limitations of At-Will Employment
At-will employment is the most common employment doctrine utilized by state governments. This status means an employer is free to let someone go for any reason they like. However, state, federal, or local Juneau laws prohibit firing for discriminatory reasons.
The State of Alaska says employers do not have to give a reason for terminating employment. Discrimination aside, your job only exists at their discretion.
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 loses their job because of their race, sex, or other characteristics, it violates established laws. Some states also prohibit employers from discriminating based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
Receiving demerits or getting fired in Juneau for one of the reasons listed above means you can file a claim with the EEOC. An experienced Juneau, AK attorney can walk you through the process.
Retaliation
Your employer cannot fire you for certain protected activities. For example, your employer can’t let you go for taking medical leave. Nor can you lose your position for participating in an investigation of job and wage violations. Finally, filing a complaint reporting discrimination are not fireable offenses.
The State of Alaska Whistleblower Act protects employees that report a matter of public concern. Your employer in Juneau cannot retaliate when you take this action in good faith.
Some states 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 lets you go for reporting a safety violation. The same principle applies to breaking environmental regulations.
What To Do If You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated In Juneau, Alaska
Have you been wrongfully terminated?
You may have an entitlement to compensatory damages, reinstatement, back pay, and other forms of relief. However, the exact definition of wrongful termination will depend on where you live.
Contact a dedicated and qualified lawyer to discuss your circumstances and the laws your employer has to follow. 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.
There is a tight window of opportunity for employees in Juneau to file a charge with the EEOC. The federal government only gives you 180 days to take this action. If the right circumstances apply, this deadline can extend to 300 days.
Step One: Gather Evidence
You must gather all the evidence you can, no matter how small. Ideally, you had early suspicions and started this process right away.
If you have to return to the office, use the opportunity wisely. Gather whatever you can while you have access to your desk or emails. However, remain mindful of any employment agreements or confidentiality issues.
Step Two: Find an Attorney
Hiring an experienced Juneau, AK wrongful termination lawyer will help you take the first steps. Juneau employment laws are intricate and are constantly changing. Therefore, you should always work with an attorney who focuses on this area of law.
Step Three: File a Complaint
The EEOC built a self-evaluation tool to help you decide if filing a claim is the appropriate way to handle your case. But, an attorney also simplifies this procedure by writing the complaint for you.
First, you serve your employer the notice, and the resolution process starts there. Generally, most cases will not go to trial since employers prefer to settle.
The EEOC accepts complaints by mail or in person. However, the nearest office to Juneau is in Seattle.
Why You Should Hire A Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Juneau, Alaska
Filing a wrongful termination lawsuit in Alaska can be overwhelming. But speaking to an experienced lawyer can help you get past the anxious fog and understand your rights. For some people, the opportunity to finally tell their story helps to ease their burden.
We understand that finding the right attorney can be a difficult choice. That is why we created our service to connect clients in need with experienced attorneys.
Our company charges no fees to connect you with legal representation. Some Juneau attorneys or practice areas may require legal fees upfront, but there are many that do not. Some professionals may not charge a single penny until they win your case.
Are you ready to find a qualified Juneau attorney who can help you fight for your job or get justice for wrongful termination? Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
