Wrongful termination lawyer in Woburn, Massachusetts
Massachusetts is an at-will employment state, which means that employers can fire employees for any reason, or for no reason at all. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Employees cannot be fired for discriminatory reasons, such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age (if the employee is 40 or older), disability, or pregnancy. Employees also cannot be fired for exercising their legal rights, such as refusing to engage in illegal activity, requesting a reasonable accommodation for a disability, or filing a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD).
If an employee is fired for any of these reasons, they may have a claim for wrongful termination. To prevail on a wrongful termination claim, the employee must prove that the employer’s reason for firing them was a pretext for a discriminatory or retaliatory motive. This can be a difficult burden to prove, but experienced employment lawyers can help employees build strong cases.
Damages for wrongful termination
If an employee is successful in a wrongful termination lawsuit, they may be awarded damages, including:
- Back pay
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages
The amount of damages that an employee can recover will depend on the specific facts of the case.
Steps to take if you believe you have been wrongfully terminated
If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, you should take the following steps:
Here are some specific things you can do to handle being wrongfully terminated in Massachusetts:
- Stay calm and collected. It is important to remain professional and respectful, even if you are feeling angry or upset.
- Ask for a meeting with your supervisor or HR department to discuss your termination. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions and get more information about the reasons for your termination.
- Gather evidence. This may include copies of your employment contract, performance reviews, and any other documentation that supports your claim.
- Document everything. Keep a record of all conversations you have with your employer, including the date, time, and what was discussed. You should also keep a copy of any documentation you receive from your employer, such as your termination letter and your final paycheck.
- Seek emotional support. Talking to a friend, family member, or therapist can help you cope with the stress and anxiety of being wrongfully terminated.
- File a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). You have 300 days from the date of your termination to file a complaint with the MCAD.
- Contact an experienced employment lawyer in Massachusetts. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and can represent you in a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Wrongful termination can have a devastating impact on an employee’s life. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, it is important to take action to protect your rights.
If you decide to file a wrongful termination lawsuit, it is important to act quickly. You have a limited amount of time to file a complaint with the MCAD, and you may also have a statute of limitations deadline to file a lawsuit in court.
An experienced wrongful termination lawyer in Woburn MA can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. For help with wrongful termination disputes, Contact the Shapiro Law Group for a Free Phone Consultation. 339-298-2300 .
