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How Much Is A New York Wrongful Termination Lawyer?

Submitted by rachel on

Did a former employer recently fire you in New York State? Do you believe their reason for terminating your employment was illegal?

You may have justification to file a wrongful termination claim or lawsuit if so. By doing so, you can pursue such damages as financial compensation and reinstatement to your job. Hiring a New York wrongful termination attorney may boost your chances of success.

How Much Is a NY Wrongful Termination Attorney?

Several factors can influence the cost of hiring a wrongful termination lawyer in New York. There’s no universal answer to the question of how much you might spend on an attorney. Costs can vary on a case-by-case basis.

For example, some attorneys require up-front fees or retainers. Others are willing to work on a contingency fee basis. This means they won’t charge you any legal fees unless you win your case or arrive at an agreeable settlement.

Always ask a lawyer about their fees before agreeing to hire them. This is a topic about which a lawyer should be open, honest, and transparent.

You don’t want to jeopardize your chances of winning a case by hiring a lawyer who isn’t qualified to represent you. That said, you must also consider your budget when choosing a New York wrongful termination attorney. If your budget is small, you may find a thoroughly qualified lawyer who only charges fees if they secure a settlement for you.

Why Should I Work With a NY Wrongful Termination Lawyer?

You may assume you can file a wrongful termination claim yourself. While this might technically be possible, it’s not necessarily advisable.

Hiring an attorney when filing a wrongful termination claim in New York can be beneficial for several reasons. Examples include:

  • A lawyer may have knowledge of the applicable laws and may thus help you demonstrate an employer fired you for illegal reasons
  • An attorney might assist in the process of gathering evidence
  • A New York wrongful termination lawyer may help you file your claim with the appropriate government agency, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
  • If necessary, your attorney can handle all negotiations with your former employer and/or their representatives on your behalf

Additionally, after losing a job, you may find yourself busy addressing other concerns, such as finding new employment and paying your bills. A lawyer may handle your case so that you don’t add to your burdens.

What Is Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination is when an employer fires you for an illegal reason or a discriminatory reason. Your employer can’t fire you for an illegal reason even if you work in a “right to work” state. New York is not a “right to work” state, which means that your employer must have a verifiable reason to fire you.

If your boss fires you for something that is illegal or as part of a campaign of harassment or discrimination you can file a complaint for wrongful termination.

A good example of wrongful termination is an employer firing an employee for becoming pregnant. Or someone being fired because of their religion. There are both Federal and state laws that protect workers in New York from wrongful termination. The Americans With Disabilities Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act are a couple of the Federal laws that protect workers. And NY has the New York Human Rights Law which does not allow employers to discriminate against their employees.

If you live in New York City there are even more laws protecting the workers in NYC specifically. Any worker that is wrongfully terminated by an employer in New York State can file a complaint against their employer with the New York Department of Human Rights and with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Speak With an Employment Law Attorney

It’s very wise to speak with an employment law attorney if you believe a former employer has engaged in wrongful termination in New York. A lawyer can evaluate your case and explain whether it has merit.

Remember, a lawyer’s services may also be affordable. Ask your attorney about their payment structure and fees to determine if there are any up-front costs. To get connected with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website, complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page today!

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