Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for an illegal reason. Even though many Connecticut workers are at-will employees, meaning their employer can lawfully terminate their employment at any time, for any reason or no reason at all, the law protects employees from being fired for illegal reasons. When an employer violates the law and terminates a worker’s employment for an unlawful reason, the employee may consider filing a legal claim for wrongful termination.

If you are considering filing a legal claim for wrongful termination or believe your employment was terminated illegally and have questions, you should consult with an employment attorney. The wrongful termination attorneys at Madsen, Prestley & Parenteau can answer your questions, identify potential legal claims that you may be able to pursue, and advise on courses of action that have greater chances of success.

Examples of Wrongful Termination

In almost every jurisdiction in the United States, the law presumes that the employment relationship between an employer and an employee is that of “at-will” employment. Under an at-will employment arrangement, the employer can terminate an employee’s employment for any reason or no reason at all, but not for a reason that violates the law. Common examples of unlawful reasons for terminating employment that give rise to a lawful claim for wrongful termination include:

• Discrimination - terminating employment because of the employee’s race, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation or gender identification, military services, pregnancy, or genetic information.
• Breach of contract - employment termination in violation of an employer’s promise.
• Retaliation - terminating an employee who engaged in activities that are protected under the law, such as whistleblowing or making complaints about discrimination based on a protected characteristic.
• Violations of public policy - terminating employment in violation of important public policies, such as an employee who expressed opposition to an employer’s fraudulent practices or refused to do something illegal as part of the employment.

If you believe your employment was terminated for an unlawful reason, you should meet with our experienced wrongful termination attorneys to discuss your claim.

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Wrongful Termination Attorney

Before meeting with a wrongful termination attorney, you should gather important documents and prepare a list of questions to help you learn about the attorney and whether they are the right fit for you and your case.

Gather Documents and Other Information

To ensure you get as much from the meeting as possible, you should prepare for your meeting with a wrongful termination attorney by gathering documents and other information that pertains to your case. The attorney will be able to determine which documents are relevant and which ones are less important. However, in gathering relevant documents, it is important that you do not violate any of your employer’s policies regarding company documents and information.

Examples of relevant documents may include:

• A copy of your employment agreement
• Emails, text messages, voicemails, and other documentation that show your employment was terminated illegally
• Pay stubs
• Hiring and firing documentation

Why Talk to an Attorney After Termination of Employment

Some people feel intimidated about meeting with an attorney, but remember — we are on your side and want to put you at ease. Meeting with an experienced wrongful termination attorney can be invaluable, even if you ultimately decide not to pursue a legal claim. We can review your circumstances to evaluate whether you have a viable legal claim, answer questions about the termination process and whether your rights were violated, and explain your options if you decide you wish to move forward.

The employer has the advantage in most claims for wrongful termination. Our experienced wrongful termination attorneys can level the playing field, answer your questions, and arm you with the knowledge you need.

Finally, be aware that strict deadlines apply to legal claims for wrongful termination. After learning more about your situation, our attorneys can advise you of the deadlines that apply in your case. However, you must act quickly to avoid inadvertently forfeiting any important rights and legal protections.

Contact a Wrongful Termination Attorney Today