When you start a new job, it’s always a good idea to sign an employment contract. This can go a long way in protecting your legal rights should you be terminated in the future.
If you were recently terminated, regardless of the reason given by your employer, review your employment contract to better understand your legal rights. You may find that you were terminated in violation of the agreement, which puts you in a position to take action against your employer.
Here are some questions to answer as you attempt to determine if you were wrongfully terminated in violation of your employment contract:
- Do you have an employment agreement in place?
- Did your employer also provide you with a handbook outlining termination procedures?
- Did your employer make you a verbal promise, as opposed to an employment contract, promising that you would not be terminated?
- Did your employer tell you or put in writing that you could only lose your job for specific reasons?
As you answer these questions, it’ll become clear as to whether you can file a claim for wrongful termination related to breach of contract.
The most important thing you can do is keep your cool, review your employment contract and collect any evidence to back up your claim. This approach will put you in position to take the right steps at the right time.
If you come to find that you’re in a position to file a claim, don’t delay. You may be able to obtain compensation from your former employer, while also seeking reinstatement (if you desire).
