You depend on your job to provide the financial means you must have to take care of your family. An unexpected job loss can cause considerable stress and financial strain. This will affect you emotionally and physically as well as financially.
If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer to recover compensation to take care of the costs associated with your damages caused by you losing your job. An employment law attorney can review the details surrounding your situation and determine how to proceed.
What are My Rights In Wrongful Termination?
If your employment termination breaks a contract, violates company procedures and policies, or goes against any public policy or law, you may the right to sue your employer for wrongful termination. There could be both state and federal laws that protect you and that support you throughout the situation. You need to research the applicable laws, review your employee handbook, and gather supporting evidence and documentation.
The New Jersey Division of Civil Rights (NJDCR) oversees laws that pertain to civil rights. If an individual has been subjected to harassment or discrimination based on their race, religion, gender, national origin, or disability, they can file a complaint with the NJDCR and work toward getting the matter resolved. The NJDCR will investigate the claim and ensure that appropriate action is taken to resolve the matter.
As an example, you are employed at a nurse at a hospital. You are the only male employee in that specific unit. Your supervisor constantly makes snide remarks about men and how it is a woman’s profession.
The employee handbook indicates that there is a reprimand policy in place and details the punishment and when termination would come about. You call into work because you are stuck in traffic and explain you will be late. When you arrive, you are 30 minutes late.
Your supervisor calls you into her office and comments “it is just like a man to make up excuses.” You have never been reprimanded for anything, and you have had positive feedback on evaluations.
You are shocked when your supervisor tells you that are you are fired and that she looks forward to hiring a woman to fill your position. You have been the victim of wrongful termination and you have grounds for a lawsuit against the hospital where you worked.
Suing for Wrongful Termination
If you have been wrongfully terminated in New Jersey, you can pursue a lawsuit against your employer for their actions. Depending on the nature of the case, you will need evidence to support your claim. T
his could include witness statements, memos, text messages, your employment contract, and your employee handbook. The more supporting evidence that you can gather, the more likely you are to have a successful claim against your employer.
If you can successfully prove that you were wrongfully terminated by your place of employment, you may be awarded damages for the economic harm you suffered as well as any associated costs and attorney’s fees. The amount of your award is decided by the court, which is a judge or jury, and is subject to the circumstances surrounding your wrongful termination as well as the extent of the damages that you suffered.
Your economic losses may include lost wages and lost benefits. Your employer may have to pay you any regular salary and benefits that you would have been entitled to if you had not been terminated from your job there.
Costs associated with your termination may include legal fees and job hunt fees. You will need to maintain a file and keep all supporting documentation for your claim.
Get Help Today
If you have been the victim of wrongful termination in New Jersey, you may want to enlist the help of a New Jersey employment law attorney. With the help of a lawyer, you may be much more likely to recover compensation for your damages and have a successful claim against your employer.
An attorney will be familiar with the state and federal laws that apply to your situation. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to get your claim on track today.
