A few years ago, I watched a colleague pack up her desk in stunned silence after being told her role was “no longer required”. She’d just raised concerns about unpaid overtime a week earlier. Everyone knew what had happened, but no one dared to say it out loud. It was wrongful termination in plain sight.
Being let go from a job is never easy. It’s even worse when it’s a clear case of wrong termination but you can’t do much about it. So, what exactly is wrongful termination? A wrongful termination is one where you were fired due to discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, refusal to engage in illegal acts, or for exercising protected workplace rights.
In such cases, your first step should be understanding the labor law on wrongful termination in your jurisdiction. Every state has unique frameworks defining what constitutes unlawful dismissal and how employees can seek justice.
If your termination of employment followed a complaint about workplace harassment, wage issues, or safety violations, it could be more than coincidence. Similarly, being dismissed after taking parental leave or requesting reasonable accommodations may also point to unfair practices.
Before taking any action, document everything—from emails and HR communications to witness statements. These records become crucial evidence when exploring remedies for wrongful termination or negotiating a settlement.
Legal Remedies for Wrongful Termination
The good news is that there are structured remedies for wrongful termination available under employment law. These may include reinstatement to your former role, compensation for lost wages and emotional distress, or even punitive damages against the employer in severe cases.
Consulting an employment lawyer can help you interpret the labor law on wrongful termination and understand which remedies apply best to your situation. Often, your attorney can pursue mediation or arbitration before escalating to litigation—saving time, money, and emotional stress.
How to Fix Wrongful Termination: Steps to Take
Knowing how to fix wrongful termination is about more than just filing a complaint, it’s about reclaiming your professional integrity.
Review your employment contract: Check for termination clauses and grievance procedures that may strengthen your case.
Consult legal counsel: A lawyer well-versed in labor law on wrongful termination can evaluate whether your employer breached specific rights.
File a formal complaint: Depending on your location, you may approach a labor board, tribunal, or court.
Seek out-of-court settlement: Many wrongful termination cases are resolved through negotiated agreements that include financial or reputational remedies.
Focus on recovery: Even while pursuing legal remedies for wrongful termination, invest in career counseling or professional development to rebuild confidence and direction.
By following these steps, you can actively pursue how to fix wrongful termination and ensure that your professional record reflects the truth of your dedication, not an employer’s misconduct.
The Bigger Picture
The termination of employment affects not only the individual but also the reputation of the organization. Employers must ensure that all dismissals comply with the labor law on wrongful termination, maintaining fairness, transparency, and ethical standards.
For HR professionals, wrongful termination cases serve as vital reminders to strengthen internal policies and promote open communication before conflicts escalate.
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