A Trusted Advocate for Wrongfully Terminated Workers in Long Island
Workers have important protections from wrongful terminations, but enforcing those rights often requires legal representation. Mesidor PLLC focuses on employee law cases, so we understand the steps that must be taken to see that you are restored to your former position and compensated for the hardships you suffered.
Our founding attorney is a respected advocate for workers in Long Island, the Hamptons, and surrounding communities. She can take the time to fully understand the hardships you endured, so you are fully compensated for the setbacks you suffered. Trust our advocates to see your case through thick and thin, so you are financially and emotionally restored following an unlawful termination.
Understanding Wrongful Termination in Long Island
New York is an at-will employment state. This means that employers can generally terminate someone at any time and for any reason. They are not required to give advanced notice or explain their options. There are important exceptions. Even in an at-will state, an employer cannot let someone go due to characteristics that include:
- Pregnancy
- Disability
- Religion
- Race
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
Workers cannot be fired for taking protected leave or reporting misconduct. The terms of a contract may also limit how someone can be terminated. If your rights were violated when you were let go, you have the right to work with an attorney to pursue compensation. Wrongful terminations are often tied to retaliation.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports that retaliation is a leading cause of discrimination. In 2024, the EEOC also received over 4,000 complaints for workplace misconduct, including wrongful terminations.
Compensation You May Be Owed
Wrongful terminations are a serious form of misconduct because they cause immediate and serious financial hardships to workers who have done nothing wrong. Workers who unexpectedly lose their jobs may initially blame themselves for being let go. They may doubt their self-worth and have difficulty finding a new job due to how they were let go.
By working with an attorney, the employee can reclaim what was taken from them. Lost wages, missed benefits, and other losses can be accounted for through a wrongful termination claim. The intangible emotional harm that they went through could also be accounted for in a settlement or a favorable court verdict.
Why You Should Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer
When you hire a wrongful termination lawyer, you ensure that your wrongful termination case receives the attention and resources that it deserves. New York’s wrongful termination laws carry serious consequences for employers, but a complaint or formal court filing must be backed by compelling evidence.
Without legal representation, your employer may hire their own attorney to dispute your concerns and demand compensation. When you work with a Long Island wrongful termination attorney, you gain the steady support and oversight that can lead to a fair settlement. Throughout the process, your lawyer can keep you updated on important developments so you are well-informed every step of the way.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of Wrongful Termination in Long Island?
A: Retaliation is one of the most common reasons workers are wrongfully terminated in Long Island. Whether you work in Great Neck, Garden City, Dix Hills, or elsewhere in Long Island, you may face retaliation for reporting misconduct. Employers often wrongfully terminate workers due to personal reasons, such as someone’s refusal to put up with unwanted sexual advances.
Q: What Are the Potential Outcomes of My Wrongful Termination Claim?
A: One potential outcome of your wrongful termination claim is that you are compensated for your losses through a settlement. When employees secure legal representation, their attorney can negotiate favorable terms for a settlement.
This step allows the dispute to be resolved without the need to involve the courts. Specific remedies may include being restored to your former position. If that is not preferable, you can be compensated for the tangible and intangible losses you suffered.
Q: When Is a Termination Wrongful?
A: A termination is wrongful when it violates a law. Often, employers commit these unlawful acts when they set someone up due to their protected characteristic. In other cases, a wrongful termination may be tied to a breach of contract. Whether the firing violates a contract or employment law, workers have the right to pursue fair compensation with the support of an employment law attorney.
Q: Can My Former Boss Be Held Liable for Wrongfully Firing Me?
A: Yes. Your former boss can be held liable for wrongfully firing you. Securing justice and accountability often requires the support of an attorney who understands New York’s wrongful termination laws and how they may apply to your case. With the right legal support, you can be compensated for lost wages and missed opportunities.
Q: How Do At-Will Laws Affect My Case?
A: New York’s at-will employment laws may apply if you cannot prove that your termination was unlawful. Employers can fire someone at any point for any reason. They are not even required to explain why. It is for this reason that securing legal representation is crucial. An attorney understands the laws and how to gather the evidence needed to show that your termination violated the law.
Contact a Law Firm Dedicated to Empowering Employees
Don’t risk your financial future on unproven legal counsel. When you work with our skilled team of employment law attorneys, you gain the proven support of a respected law firm. Mesidor PLLC is proud to have served employees in Long Island.
To date, we have secured over $70 million for clients through settlements. When needed, we are more than willing to take cases to court. Contact our office today to gain representation from a firm that gets results when it matters most.