Wrongful Termination in Shreveport, LA

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 Louisiana 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.

According to the Louisiana State Bar Association, most employment in Shreveport is at-will. This is the case unless you have an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement stating otherwise. However, there are some termination reasons that are illegal. For example, your employer cannot fire you as a form of discrimination or in retaliation for reporting certain violations.

Types Of Wrongful Termination

In Shreveport, 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 you have been wrongfully terminated. 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 Shreveport laws prohibit these reasons.

Louisiana is a Right to Work state. Because of this, your Shreveport employer cannot force you to join or prevent you from joining a union. In addition, they cannot require you to pay any dues or agency fees to a union. 

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, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, pregnancy, age, or disability, it violates established laws. Moreover, there are also some states that prohibit employers from discriminating based on the gender identity or sexual orientation.

If you believe that you became penalized or fired in Shreveport for one of thereasons listed above, you may be able to file a claim with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. An experienced Shreveport, LA 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. 

Louisiana has numerous whistleblower laws that protect Shreveport employees from retaliation. These statutes cover various activities, including:

• Filing a claim for worker’s compensation
• Reporting violations of rules or laws
• Disclosing environmental, health, or safety issues
• Reporting fraudulent claims for welfare, oil spill impact, or hurricane relief

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 Shreveport, Louisiana

Have you been wrongfully terminated? You may deserve to receive 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.

If you base your discrimination claim on state law, you must file within 180 days of your termination. However, claims under federal law are permissible for up to 300 days. Alternatively, you can initiate a discrimination lawsuit in court, but you must do so within a year. Unlike some states, Louisiana does not require an administrative claim prior to filing a lawsuit.

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 Shreveport, LA wrongful termination lawyer will help you take the first steps so that you make a strong case to get the outcome you seek. Shreveport 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.

The Louisiana Commission on Human Rights will accept both state and federal discrimination claims. However, some people choose to file directly with the EEOC. Unfortunately, there is no location in Shreveport, but you can contact the New Orleans Field Office.

Why You Should Hire A Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Shreveport, Louisiana

Filing a wrongful termination lawsuit in Shreveport, Louisiana can be overwhelming, especially if you suffered unfair treatment. 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 tell their story also 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 Shreveport 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 Shreveport 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!