A Summerville, South Carolina employer can break the law if it fires a worker due to discrimination. Or, an employer can breach a contract with an employee when they terminate this individual. In either scenario, the worker can submit a wrongful termination claim against the employer.
Our South Carolina Employment lawyers have many years of experience with wrongful termination cases in Summerville. If you are the victim of wrongful termination, get in touch with us. From here, a Summerville wrongful termination attorney from our team can take a look at your case and help you decide how to proceed with it.
How Wrongful Termination Is Defined in Summerville
In the United States, wrongful termination occurs when an employer illegally fires a worker. It comes in many forms, such as firing a worker who reported:
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- A safety violation
Those who believe they were wrongfully terminated by their employer due to discrimination can submit a report to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Comparatively, those who believe they were illegally fired as retaliation can file a whistleblower complaint through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. There can be instances in which wrongful termination reports or complaints must be filed through various state agencies as well.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, our team of attorneys understands the challenges in proving that someone in Summerville was wrongfully terminated. For those who believe they were illegally dismissed from their jobs, contact us. A Summerville wrongful termination lawyer from our firm can help you build a compelling argument against your employer.
When to Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer in Summerville
In some cases, an employee suffers an on-the-job injury and submits a workers’ compensation claim. The employee may request compensation to cover any costs relating to their work injury. However, the employer may choose to ignore the claim and fire the worker.
If the aforementioned situation takes place, you can partner with a wrongful termination attorney in Summerville. Your attorney can help you navigate the challenges that come with a wrongful termination claim and a request for workers’ compensation. Plus, your lawyer will help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation.
Of course, you can connect with a wrongful termination lawyer if you believe you lost your job for illegal reasons. A wrongful termination attorney treats every case the same way. They can learn as much as they can about the conditions surrounding your dismissal and help you determine if you have a valid reason to request damages.
Types of Damages that You Can Request in a Summerville Wrongful Termination Lawsuit
You can ask for compensation for many reasons in a wrongful termination case, such as:
- Lost wages or benefits
- Emotional distress you incurred
- Any expenses associated with your search for a new job
The best Summerville wrongful termination attorney helps their clients get significant settlements. Initially, your attorney will calculate the damages that you have incurred. They will also account for any future expenses you may be forced to pay due to your wrongful termination.
After you and your attorney figure out how much to request in a wrongful termination claim, you can file your lawsuit. It may take months or years to resolve your case. There may be opportunities to settle your case before a trial takes place.
What to Expect in a Summerville Wrongful Termination Settlement Negotiation
An employer may attempt to negotiate a settlement with you relating to your Summerville wrongful termination lawsuit. By offering a settlement, your employer can protect against any brand reputation that may occur if your case goes to trial. Also, your employer may be able to get you to accept a settlement that requires them to pay less than what would be required if they lose in court.
When it comes to a wrongful termination settlement negotiation, be careful. You may face tremendous pressure to accept a settlement that falls short of your expectations. Thankfully, you can hire an experienced attorney that negotiates on your behalf and keeps your best interests top of mind.
A wrongful termination lawyer will keep you in the loop regarding a settlement proposal. If the defendant in your case offers a settlement, your attorney will share it with you. In this scenario, it is in your best interests to review the settlement with your lawyer.
How to Decide on a Settlement Proposal in a Summerville Wrongful Termination Case
If you are struggling to decide on a settlement offer in a wrongful termination case, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney. You can ask legal questions to understand what can happen if you move forward with a settlement. Meanwhile, your attorney can explain all of the legal options at your disposal.
You may be tempted to accept a settlement to avoid a long trial. On the other hand, if you accept a subpar offer, you will not get fair compensation. Fortunately, your attorney can help you consider the short- and long-term ramifications of any decision you make on a settlement.
In instances where a settlement is less than what you want, it may be in your best interests to decline. There is no penalty if you reject a settlement. At this point, you and your attorney continue to build your case and make it as strong as possible for your trial.
How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Summerville Wrongful Termination Case
When you look for a wrongful termination lawyer, consider what past clients are saying about this individual. It helps to review client testimonials. You can read through these testimonials to understand how an attorney helps their clients achieve their desired case results.
You can meet with a wrongful termination lawyer, too. The meeting is a learning opportunity for both you and the lawyer. You can share details about your case, and the attorney can let you know how they help you.
Before you hire a wrongful termination attorney, make sure this individual values communication. Ask an attorney how they engage with clients throughout their litigation. If the attorney emphasizes constant contact with clients, they may be a great choice to represent you in your wrongful termination case.
Select a Summerville Wrongful Termination Attorney from the Shelly Leeke Law Firm
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm can put you in touch with a wrongful termination lawyer right away. To learn more or request a free consultation, please contact us today.