Pembroke Pines Wrongful Termination Attorney
Losing your job can be a stressful experience. It can be even more stressful when you have been terminated for unlawful reasons. If this is the case, you are not alone. You have legal options to receive the justice you deserve. With the help of a Pembroke Pines wrongful termination lawyer, you can hold your employer accountable and fight back against this unethical behavior.
Why Choose The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A.
At The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., we believe that each case is unique. We bring more than 20 years of collective experience to offer custom legal advice that demonstrates compassion and integrity.
We understand how devastating and unfair losing your job can be. We are here to help you fight for your rights if you were terminated for reporting misconduct or unsafe practices or for discriminatory reasons. Our legal team can help you receive what you deserve.
Understanding Wrongful Termination in Pembroke Pines, FL
Florida is an at-will employment state. This means that a person can be fired at any time, with or without reason, as long as that reason is not illegal. Employees are protected against unlawful hiring and firing practices. When it happens, the employee may be entitled to compensation. Wrongful termination covers the following:
- Discrimination. You cannot be fired based on a protected characteristic, such as race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
- Retaliation. An employer cannot fire you in retaliation for another action, such as reporting unsafe practices, exercising your right to take medical leave, whistleblowing (reporting illegal activity within the company), or reporting discrimination.
- Violating public policy. An employer cannot terminate you for certain public policy actions, such as going to jury duty, voting, or serving in the military.
- Breaching a contract. Your employer cannot fire you if it breaches your contract with them, whether written or implied.
Florida employees filed 5,192 total charges with the EEOC in fiscal year 2022. The most common cause involved allegations of retaliation by an employer, totaling 3,190 charges. Additionally, 1,551 charges were brought due to alleged racial discrimination. Sometimes, multiple charges are brought in one case.
Local Protections
Florida, like other states, prohibits being fired for protected reasons. Those employed by larger companies may have additional protections that are enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The Broward County Human Rights Section serves as a support system for employees who need to address local discrimination complaints in Broward County. The Pembroke Pines CareerSource Broward office provides job placement assistance and employment counseling for terminated workers.
Common Signs That You’ve Been Wrongfully Terminated
It is rare that an employer will admit to wrongfully terminating you or openly say they are firing you for illegal reasons. Therefore, claiming wrongful termination usually hinges on identifying signs that point to an unlawful firing. Some of these signs include:
- Being fired shortly after complaining about unfair or unsafe working conditions.
- You were terminated after requesting or taking medical leave.
- You did not receive a clear answer for your termination, or the answer seemed shifty, shady, or didn’t hold weight. For instance, if your employer claims they fired you due to cutbacks, but you were the only one let go and then subsequently replaced, it may be grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
- Your employer had previously made disparaging comments about your race, age, disability, or gender.
- You were terminated, and others weren’t.
What To Do if You Were Wrongfully Terminated
If you suspect that you were wrongfully terminated, there are steps you can take to seek the justice and compensation that you deserve. First, be sure to document everything. This includes emails, performance reviews (especially if you only received positive ones), text messages, and even witness statements.
Ask your employer to put your termination in writing so you have written proof of their reasoning. File a claim with the EEOC or the Florida Commission on Human Rights. Do this as soon as possible because, in some cases, there is a time limit for when you must file.
Be sure to speak with an attorney at The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A. They can ensure you have all the evidence you need and that your complaint is filed on time.
FAQs About Pembroke Pines,FL Wrongful Termination Law
The average settlement for wrongful termination in Florida varies significantly because each case depends on its specific details. Various elements, including lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages, influence the final amount of wrongful termination settlements.
Settlements strive to provide just compensation for employees’ financial losses and emotional injuries, yet their final amount tends to hinge on the quality of the evidence presented and how open the employer is to negotiation.
The odds of winning a wrongful termination claim rely strongly on the details of the situation, the evidence available, and the quality of legal representation. Workers who provide documented proof of unlawful actions, like retaliation or discrimination, have better prospects in wrongful termination cases. Employees in Florida must show that their dismissal breached specific legal protections or contractual terms since the state practices at-will employment.
It can be worth it to file a claim for wrongful termination when you possess solid proof of rights violations. If you win your case, you can receive money for lost wages and emotional distress, and you may get punitive damages. Legal action serves not only to recover money but also to hold employers responsible while establishing safeguards for future employees. You should get advice from an experienced attorney before taking any further steps.
Reasons that qualify as wrongful termination in Florida include firing as a result of unlawful motives, including discrimination or retaliation for reporting misconduct, refusal to take part in illegal activities, or exercising the right to take protected medical leave. Federal and state laws provide exceptions to Florida’s at-will employment law to protect employees from being terminated unjustly and unlawfully.
Contact The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A. Today
If you have been wrongfully terminated, The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A. can help you seek justice. Contact us today to get started and hold the responsible party accountable.
