Wrongful Termination Attorneys in Florida
Florida companies have the responsibility to provide a safe working environment free from discrimination and harassment and to respond appropriately when employees report problems. However, sometimes when workers report harassment or discrimination or cause inconvenience to employers by filing workers’ comp claims or taking medical leave, employers retaliate – often by firing them. This is against the law.
If you have been fired or forced to quit because you supported a union, complained about discrimination or filed a workplace injury claim, you need experienced employment law counsel to protect your rights and help you pursue compensation for what you have lost. Our founding attorney, William M. Julien, has more than 29 years of experience successfully litigating wrongful termination cases. He and our other skilled attorneys are prepared to fight vigorously on your behalf.
What Counts As Wrongful Termination in Florida?
Not every job termination is illegal. Because much of the employment in Florida is considered to be at will, employers fire or lay off workers for all sorts of reasons, many of them legal. So, how is wrongful termination different? A wrongful termination is one that breaks the law. For example, it is illegal for employees to be fired, forced to quit or selected for layoffs due to:
- Discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status or another protected class
- Filing a workers’ comp claim
- Taking medical or family leave protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Blowing the whistle on unlawful activity by the company
- Complaining about discrimination or supporting others’ discrimination claims
- Complaining about safety violations, health concerns or unsafe working conditions
- Filing complaints about unpaid overtime or other wage and hour issues
- Supporting a union
- The employer’s desire to avoid unemployment insurance obligations
Our wrongful termination law firm is ready to help If you have been fired or feel you are being forced to quit for illegal reasons. We can also step in if you are embroiled in a conflict about the terms of your severance or are in the middle of a contract dispute. Whatever your situation, our wrongful termination attorneys are prepared to fight your wrongful termination case and help you get your life back on track.
Employment At-Will In Florida: What Does It Mean?
The vast majority of employment in the state of Florida is presumed to be “at will,” which means that at any time, either the employer or the employee may terminate the employment for any reason or no reason at all. This leads many employees to believe that, even when employers are acting based on discrimination or harassment, there is nothing that they can do to assert their rights.
The law does recognize, however, several exceptions to “at-will” employment. Employers cannot fire employees for reasons that are illegal. Essentially, at-will employment does not apply in cases of wrongful termination or retaliation. Employers must also follow their own internal policies, practices and procedures regarding termination.
Additionally, some employment contracts establish an employment relationship that is not considered at-will, meaning that employees can only be fired or laid off under certain, specific conditions. If you have questions or if you believe you have been terminated illegally by your employer, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Our lawyers at the Law Office of William M. Julien, P.A., in Boynton Beach, have the experience and knowledge that your case needs, and we provide the personalized attention and advocacy you deserve.
Were You Driven To Resign?
When working conditions are so intolerable that a reasonable employee would resign under those circumstances, it may be considered constructive termination (or constructive discharge) and is considered the same as being wrongfully terminated. There are many reasons why a person may feel compelled to quit due to intolerable working conditions, including harassment, discrimination and other wrongful behaviors from the list above.
A worker may be able to pursue a lawsuit against his or her former employer for discrimination, retaliation or sexual harassment in the workplace. However, constructive termination is always difficult to prove. At the Law Office of William M. Julien, P.A., we suggest that you always consult with a lawyer before quitting your job – if you believe that you may have a claim of constructive termination. We will carefully review the facts and circumstances of your working conditions, and assist you in determining whether a claim of constructive termination is likely to succeed.
Facing Conflicts Over Your Contract?
Employment contracts often cover many different types of compensation, such as stock options, bonuses, and other incentive pay and pension benefits. These contracts may also include non-compete agreements and nondisclosure agreements that limit your ability to work for competing companies.
If you are involved in a dispute with your employer over the terms of your employment contract, our employment law attorneys can analyze the facts of your situation and advise you of your rights under the contract. From our office in Boynton Beach, our firm protects the rights of executives, managers, sales employees and other Florida workers in West Palm Beach, Miami and Fort Lauderdale and throughout the state.
Breach Of Employment Contract Claims
The following are examples of the types of breach of contract claims we handle:
- Unpaid salary, stock option awards, pension benefits, commissions or other compensation
- Wrongful termination
- Overreaching noncompete agreements
Wrongful termination lawsuits often revolve around how “cause” is defined in the employment contract and what compensation is payable upon termination. While employment contracts may not include severance, they often specify other compensation payable upon termination of employment. Attorney Julien will also evaluate your employment contact claim for other violations of Florida and federal laws, such as discrimination.
Free Consultations Available – Reach Out Today
At the Law Office of William M. Julien, P.A., we understand that the working world is not perfect and that sometimes something that seems wrong is, in fact, perfectly legal. When employers step over the legal line, however, we take action. For a free initial consultation with one of our wrongful termination lawyers, call our firm at 561-560-5597 or contact us online. We help employees throughout the state of Florida.
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