Have you been wrongfully fired and are wondering, “What can I do?”

During this challenging time, there are many things you can do to recover, get through it, and get your career back on track. Wrongful termination can not only affect your career, but it can also change you and your family’s life — but you have the power to take action. You may be able to file a claim against your employer with the help of an employee rights attorney and pursue various legal remedies.

7 Tips for Recovering from Wrongful Termination

1. 1. Keep your actions professional during any stressful situations with your employer.

Emotions can run high during stressful times, and it is important to stay professional. If you have to go back to get your last check, or for any other reason, maintain professional behavior. An employee rights attorney is familiar with dealing these types of situations and will be your advocate if you decide to file a claim.

1. 1. Consult with an employee rights attorney.

Knowing what to do if you were wrongfully terminated helps to decrease stress and will allow you to make the right decisions. It is critical to talk to an experienced attorney who has worked with many people just like you when it comes to employee rights and getting fired due to workplace discrimination.

Even though Florida is an “at will” state, meaning that an employer can fire an employee for any reason or no reason at all, they cannot violate state, local, and/or federal law. If you feel you were fired due to age, gender, race, disability, or other types of discrimination, you should consult with an employee rights attorney as soon as possible. There are certain statutes of limitations when it comes to filing claims, so don’t procrastinate and lose your opportunity to hold your employer accountable.

1. 1. Ask your employer why you were fired.

Information is power. Your employer may not always be very forthcoming in giving you the reasons why you were terminated, but get whatever information you can. If you have any documentation that could be related to why they fired you (performance reviews, schedules, internal memos/emails, etc.) make sure to save them. This documentation could be very valuable to your case.

1. 1. If you are not sure, find out who decided to fire you.

Discovering who decided to terminate your employment could also be very important. Did you have a particular supervisor that made you feel uncomfortable due to remarks about your gender or your age? Did you make a complaint about harassment and were then retaliated against? These are just two examples of situations that may result in a wrongful termination claim.

1. 1. Do not let your employer intimidate you.

Employers can be quite aggressive in a situation that involves a worker being fired. Do not let them intimidate you! They will have a lawyer, if not a team of them, and they may make you feel like you should not file a claim.

If you feel like you have been wrongfully terminated, it is the job of an employee rights attorney to stand up to intimidating employers and fight for your rights as an employee. Beginning the claim process from a place of strength and with the right legal representation is your best chance for getting the best outcome possible.

1. 1. Ask for a severance package.

Consult with your employment lawyer first. If it is decided that this is your best course of action, then your attorney can advise you on strategy for the negotiations of the best package. Not all employees will have this option, but here are some additional tips for strategy in negotiations:

1. 1. • Stay calm during all communications
      • Do not automatically take the first offer your employer gives you
      • Make sure to confirm any terms in writing
      • Negotiate benefits, including dental and medical coverage, into the offer if possible
      • Do not accept the offer quickly —take the time to think it over

1. 1. Do not procrastinate — take action right away to hold your employer accountable.

During stressful times, it can be hard to deal with tough situations. Sometimes, people will procrastinate because they are anxious and not sure of the outcome. But waiting and not doing anything to resolve a potential case of wrongful termination will not help. It is essential to take action to hold your employer accountable before the statutes of limitations run out — and to get your career back on track.

Taking the Next Step to a Brighter Future

These seven tips to help you recover after being fired can be beneficial in reducing stress, making the right decisions for you and your family, and learning about your various legal remedies. Now that you know what to do if you were wrongfully terminated, it is time to take the next step toward a brighter future.

Wenzel Fenton Cabassa, P.A. can help you determine the best course of action and defend your rights on the job against powerful corporations, government employers, or rogue companies. They have their legal teams, and it is vital for you to have an employee rights attorney that is on your side.

We have helped thousands of other employees just like you. Do not let the major disruptions to you and your family’s lives continue. We can evaluate and analyze the facts of your case — helping you to understand your rights and get the justice you deserve.

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to receive:

• Compensatory damages
• Reinstatement to your job with all pay and benefits
• Back pay from the date of termination to the settlement or verdict
• Other types of damages

Contact us today for a free, confidential conversation. You are not alone. We tackle any workplace violation aggressively and with you, and your family, in mind.

For your convenience, we have locations available in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville.

Please Note: At the time this article was written, the information contained within it was current based on the prevailing law at the time. Laws and precedents are subject to change, so this information may not be up to date. Always speak with a law firm regarding any legal situation to get the most current information available.