Being fired from your job is an incredibly stressful situation; it leaves you without an income or the stability you have come to expect from your job.
If you believe you have been unlawfully fired in Florida, seeking experienced legal help is one way to explore your options. A Florida employment lawyer from Mark J. Berkowitz, P.A., can determine whether you have compensation rights and grounds to pursue legal action.
Examples of Wrongful Termination
It’s important to remember that Florida is an “at-will” state. This means employers can fire employees at any time without a reason — as long as they do not break the law.
If you believe your termination was against the law, you may be able to take legal recourse. First, however, you will need to be able to prove that you were unlawfully fired. Examples of unlawful termination include:
Discrimination
Discrimination in the workplace is against the law. If you were fired for any of the following, you may have grounds for legal action:
- Age
- Race
- Pregnancy
- Gender
- Religion
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
Whistleblowing
If you reported your employer for doing something illegal or against regulations, or if you refused to do a part of your job that would have required you to do something illegal yourself, you have legal protections. Whistleblowers cannot be fired for uncovering or reporting any law violations.
The Florida Private Whistleblower Act has specific requirements an employee must abide by to be considered a whistleblower. To discuss your circumstances and learn whether you are eligible for legal whistleblower protection, talk with a Florida employment lawyer.
Retaliation Over FMLA
The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles employees to keep their jobs while they take time off for medical reasons, either for themselves or a member of their family. This includes employees who take time off while pregnant or caring for a sick family member. If you took leave under FMLA and believe you got fired as punishment, that is wrongful dismissal — you may be able to pursue legal action.
Damages
If you believe you were wrongfully fired, contact an experienced lawyer to help you explore your options for receiving compensation. Some examples of damages people can recover are:
Monetary Damages
Many people seek monetary damages. These include:
- Backpay
- Forward pay, for any pay you miss out on in the future
- Company benefits you did not receive after being fired, including insurance coverage, retirement contributions, and stock options
- Legal costs and fees
Equitable Relief
Sometimes, fired employees seek equitable relief alongside monetary compensation; typically, this means the company reinstates the fired employee to their job.
Filing a Wrongful Termination Suit
To begin pursuing legal action against your company with the help of a Florida employment lawyer, you first file a complaint with the relevant authorities: either the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). If you don’t know whether federal or Florida labor laws are more relevant to your situation, a Florida employment lawyer can help.
The agency will start an investigation and allow your employer to respond to your claims. Often, wrongful dismissal cases are settled during this process. However, if you believe you are not being offered a fair settlement, you can choose to sue your employer to seek compensation.
Reach Out Today
A legal team with experience in employment cases can provide insight and knowledge on how to best support you as you seek compensation after being wrongfully terminated. To get in touch with a skilled Florida employment lawyer, call Mark J. Berkowitz, P.A., today at (954) 527-0570.