Steps to take if you suspect you were fired due to discrimination

By Michelle Cohen Levy

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Wrongful Termination

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Last Modified on Dec 27, 2024

If you suspect that you were fired due to discrimination, it is important to take swift and strategic steps to protect your rights. Discrimination in employment is illegal under both federal and Florida state law, and you may have a legal claim if your termination was based on race, gender, age, disability, religion or another protected characteristic.

What should you do if you think discrimination was a factor in your termination?

Document everything

Start by documenting the circumstances surrounding your termination. Write down any conversations, events or incidents that might suggest discriminatory behavior by your employer. Pay particular attention to any comments or actions that reference your protected status, such as remarks about your race, gender, age or disability. Collect any emails, memos or performance reviews that can help establish a timeline or pattern of discrimination.

Review company policies

Check your employee handbook or company policies to see if there are any guidelines or procedures for challenging a termination or addressing discrimination. Understanding these policies can help you determine if your termination violated company rules or if you followed the correct reporting channels before being dismissed.

File an internal complaint

If you haven’t already done so, consider filing a formal discrimination complaint with your employer’s human resources department. Many companies have internal procedures for investigating claims of discrimination. Although this may not always resolve the issue, it is often a necessary step before pursuing external legal action.

Contact an employment attorney

Consult with an employment attorney who specializes in discrimination claims. They can help you assess your case, evaluate the strength of your claim and guide you through the next legal steps.

If you believe you were fired due to discrimination, acting quickly and seeking legal guidance can help ensure that your rights are protected and help you pursue any available remedies.