There are dozens of reasons that an employer may legitimately terminate you from your work. But if you have been wrongfully terminated, you have rights and there are resources available. Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for reasons that go against public policy.
You need to maintain evidence and supporting documentation to prove that you were wrongfully terminated from your position so you can file a claim to recover compensation for your damages. You should also research the state and federal laws and make sure you file your claim before the deadline.
What Are My Rights In Wrongful Termination?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency established in 1965. Its purpose is to administer and enforce the civil rights laws against workplace discrimination. If you have been wrongfully terminated, you should file a complaint with the EEOC and they will be able to help you work to resolve the matter with your employer.
The Colorado Civil Rights Division enforces the state’s anti-discrimination laws in the areas of housing, public accommodations, and employment. If you have been the victim of workplace discrimination and suffered wrongful termination, you can start the claims process online at the division’s website.
There are many ways that wrongful termination can occur. As an example, you are the only woman employed by a construction company. You are pregnant with your first child. After you tell your employer of the pregnancy, you are fired from your job despite positive evaluations and no prior reprimands. Your employer tells you he doesn’t have room for an employee “in your condition.”
Another example of wrongful termination would be if you were a male nurse at a physician’s office. You have the necessary skills and experience to perform your job successfully and you have never had reprimands from your employer. Your supervisor calls you to the office one day and tells you that you are no longer employed there because they don’t want you to feel uncomfortable about being the only man who works there. You tell her you don’t feel uncomfortable and she says it is best you look for another job.
Suing For Wrongful Termination
If you have been wrongfully terminated from your job in Colorado, you should pursue a claim against your employer to recover compensation for your damages. Your first step in a successful claim against your employer will be to file a claim with the EEOC or with the Colorado Civil Rights Division. Provide copies of your supporting evidence and the documentation that proves that you were mistreated, and that you were terminated when you should not have been.
You can file your initial complaint online, or you can schedule an appointment at the nearest office. You will be interviewed before the claim gets underway, and your termination will be investigated, and additional information will be gathered as supporting evidence. The representative will then talk with your employer and ask for their side of the story. They will try to resolve the matter and reach a settlement outside of court, but if that cannot be done, your claim will advance to a court of law where the outcome will be decided by a judge or a jury.
Evidence and documentation are essential to the success of your claim against your employer. If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, state or federal laws have been broken. Your employer can face harsh penalties for breaking those laws, and they may be penalized on top of paying you for your damages. The EEOC or Colorado Civil Rights Division will seek the damages and enforce the appropriate punishment for the wrongdoing of your employer.
Get Help Today
Wrongful termination claims can be complicated, and of course, your employer will have legal representation looking out for them and their rights. You should enlist the help of an experienced employment law attorney so you can make sure your rights are protected and that your claim is filed before the statute of limitations expires and that you are fairly compensated for your damages.
When you speak with an employment law attorney, you should discuss their payment options. Some attorneys require a retainer while others will take the case on a contingency basis and not get paid until your claim is won and you recoup compensation for your damages. Get your Free Case Evaluation today, so you can make sure your employer is held responsible for breaking the law and for mistreating an employee.
