Often, when an employer fires an employee, the employee simply accepts that he or she must move on without questioning the validity of the firing. However, it is always wise to review one’s employment contract, if it’s available. In some cases, a terminated employee may find that the termination is not supported by the contract, and may have legal grounds to fight the action.
Consider your own circumstances. When you enter into an employment contract, both you and your employer must abide by the terms of the contract. While it is true that most contracts an employer might offer you are weighted to benefit the employer, all employment contracts must include reasonable considerations for all parties involved. In fact, if your employment contract is particularly unfair, a court may refuse to honor it.
In many cases, an employer does not have solid grounds to fire you, or they may fail to properly address the terms of your termination. If, for instance, your contract entails a certain severance package in the event of termination, then your employer must honor those terms. If it does not, you may have grounds to contest the termination and seek fair compensation for your trouble.
It is rarely wise to navigate these issues without a clear understanding of the applicable laws. An experienced attorney can help you assess your circumstances and identify your strongest options for moving forward, come what may. Don’t hesitate to protect yourself with the strength of the law, for your own sake and for the sake of others who face unfair workplace practices.
Source: FindLaw, “Was I Wrongfully Discharged From My Job?,” accessed Jan. 26, 2018
