Anyone can experience wrongful termination, even a chief operations officer (COO). Can a COO be fired without cause? It depends on the situation and the applicable laws. In an at-will employment state, an employer can fire an employee for basically any reason. However, if you have an employment contract and it is breached, or if your termination was an act of discrimination, you have reason to pursue a claim against your employer and ask to be compensated for your damages.
Can A Chief Operations Officer Be Fired Without Cause?
If your state observes an at-will approach at employment, then you can basically be fired for any reason or without reason. But if you were fired as an act of discrimination, then federal laws – and possibly state laws – have been violated. If you are a COO, you most likely have an employment contract, and that contract will most likely specify how and why you can be terminated from your job. If that contract was breached, then you have been wrongfully terminated. You will need to maintain documentation, such as your employment contract, termination papers, any work-related correspondence, employee reviews, and so forth, so you can show that you were fired in breach of the agreement or in violation of the applicable laws. If you are a whistleblower, which means you reported illegal or unethical activity in the company to the proper agency, you are protected by federal laws and cannot be fired in an act of retaliation, so you should keep all the supporting documentation for that as well.
What Damages Are Included In A COO Wrongful Termination Settlement?
If you were a COO who was wrongfully terminated, you have suffered damages. Some of the commonly claimed damages include lost earnings, lost benefits, and mental anguish. You may be eligible for severance pay and attorney’s fees as well. You will need to provide documentation to support your claim and to show the amount of your losses. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the state agency that oversees your claim may enforce criminal penalties for violating laws. In some cases, the individual may be reinstated to their job. Your lawyer will review the details of your claim and determine the extent of your damages and the value of your claim. Evidence and documentation are essential to the success of your claim for being wrongfully terminated from your job as a COO.
Conclusion
If you were wrongfully terminated as a COO, then you may file a wrongful termination claim against your employer and ask to be compensated for your damages. A lawyer may be able to gather the supporting documentation and evidence that your claim will need to be successful. You should ask for an attorney to review the details of your wrongful termination claim as a COO. If you were a COO wrongfully terminated from your job, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share the details with a wrongful termination lawyer who represents clients in your area.
