Losing a job is devastating, but being wrongfully terminated because of an employer’s prejudices or desire to retaliate – or some other illegal reason – can be devastating.
If you believe your employer has wrongfully terminated you, you should fight for your rights. How can you do this? The moves you make next are important. Here are four steps to take:
1. Obtain more information
Since California is an at-will state, an employer may not be required to provide a reason for terminating an employee. However, you should actively and respectfully ask questions. Learning more about why you were allegedly fired can help you evaluate the strength of a wrongful termination claim.
2. Read Your Contracts
Review your employment contract to know whether or not the reason behind your termination is included and proper procedures were followed. If you don’t have a contract, review emails, texts, the employee handbook and any form of communication that may be evidence of an implied contract.
3. Gather evidence
Gather evidence that supports your claim of wrongful termination. Performance reviews, emails from the boss, text messages and even your own journal entries can be powerful sources of documentation.
4. Get witness statements
Get witness statements from co-workers willing to make them. These include people who may have witnessed the wrongful act that may have led to your termination or people who can vouch for your performance.
In addition to the above-discussed tips, seeking legal guidance can protect your rights and future job opportunities. It can be very difficult to determine if you’re the victim of wrongful termination on your own.