Exploring Civil Case Proceedings

3 Tips To Handle A Wrongful Termination

21 August 2019 by Becky Freeman

Today's workforce is protected by federal and state laws that govern how an employer must calculate and pay wages. While most people are aware of their right to make at least the federal minimum wage, it is still possible that they might not realize when their employer is breaking other wage and hour laws. Whether you were denied overtime or asked to work more hours than what is considered safe within your industry, you had to stand up for what is right. Now, you've found yourself being let go from your company in retaliation. Wrongful termination suits can get complicated, but you can use these four tips to ensure that yours is handled properly.

Remain Calm and Quiet

It's natural to be angry when you experience an injustice. Try to avoid arguing with your employer about the termination since they could use any loss of self-control that you display as just cause for the termination. You should also avoid posting about it on social media, since this could lead to a different type of retaliation from your employer, such as a defamation suit. Instead, focus your attention on handling the details of your wrongful termination case.

Gather Proof of Your Report

With this type of case, the courts will typically look at the time between when you reported the employer's unlawful behavior and when your employment was terminated. If possible, get proof of the report that you made, whether it was through internal processes at your company or the Department of Labor. If you filed the report within the company, then you may need help from an experienced wrongful termination lawyer to help you get the proper documentation of the report.

Retrieve Additional Related Documents

You will then need to gather other important pieces of information that are pertinent to the case. For instance, you may need copies of any written contracts that you have with the company, especially if they outline your hours and pay. You may also need to find copies of things such as time sheets to prove that you were a reliable employee who showed up to work on time and worked the required amount of hours. Pay stubs and other documentation of your pay should also be included in your list of documents to gather. Since you will need to prove that there was not any other basis for your firing, it is critical to be as thorough as possible when it comes to proving your history as a good employee.

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