As long as employers have existed, there have been disgruntled former employees. Reasons for getting fired or laid off can vary, from poor performance to simple budget line items. But when someone is fired or laid off for the wrong reasons, then they may need legal representation and a working understanding of their rights. Today, we look at how “at-will employment” affects workers in New Jersey, and how the right wrongful termination lawyer in NJ can help those who were unjustly fired get the justice and compensation they deserve.
“At-will” Explained
The first thing to understand about your legal rights in being terminated is that New Jersey is an “at-will” state. That means your average employer can fire their employees at any time, without notice and without cause. Similarly, any employee can quit at any time, without notice and without reason. So, for an example, an employer can lay off a veteran employee and replace them with someone less experienced and less expensive without any notice.
That said, at-will does not mean that employers can discriminate against their employees based on protected classes. While you can lay someone off because you found someone willing to do the same job for less salary, you can’t fire someone because of their religion. These protected classes help ensure that all workers can enjoy gainful employment despite certain aspects of who they are that are inherently protected.
Most wrongful termination lawsuits surround someone being fired due to discrimination based on a protected class. In these instances, demonstratable evidence proves that an employee was fired based on illegal discrimination.
At-will states can make wrongful termination suits more difficult because employers can try and say they fired someone for at-will reasons and not discrimination. To fight against this, people can seek out an experienced wrongful termination lawyer in NJ to help with their case. The right lawyer can help ensure that the truth is brought to a case and the court of law can see that the firing was, in fact, illegal. Then they can work to ensure the affected party is given a just amount of compensation based on their experience.
Where to Start in a Wrongful Termination Suit
When someone is unjustly fired and believes it was a form of discrimination, the first thing they should do is gather any evidence of the situation. This can include documents, email exchanges, and other legally obtained records of the discrimination that took place. Then, they need to supply that documentation to a wrongful termination lawyer in NJ who can evaluate the situation and determine if there is a path forward in legal proceedings.
Your Choice for a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in NJ
When someone thinks that they have experienced a wrongful termination based on illegal discrimination, they need proper legal representation. Zat Law is the choice for people seeking a wrongful termination lawyer in NJ. Our team of lawyers fights for our clients to get them the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a complimentary case evaluation to help you determine your next steps.
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