Wrongful Termination

Fighting for Justice and A Brighter Future

Were you recently terminated from your job? Do you think you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit? The New York City wrongful termination lawyers at Levine & Blit, PLLC represent clients who have been illegally fired from their jobs for discriminatory reasons. If you have been unfairly let go, you have rights and deserve aggressive representation to fight on your behalf.

Contact Levine & Blit at (212) 967-3000 for a phone evaluation with a wrongful termination attorney in New York City.

About Wrongful Termination in New York

Like many states, New York is an “at-will” state, meaning that an employer can fire an employee for any reason. However, state, federal, and local laws prohibit firing employees for discriminatory reasons, in retaliation for exercising their rights, for complaining about a problem, or in violation of a contract. When an employer illegally fires an employee, the terminated worker may have grounds for a lawsuit.

Common grounds for wrongful termination lawsuits include:

• Discriminatory firing
• Religious discrimination
• Disability discrimination
• Pregnancy discrimination
• Breach of employment contract
• Termination after asserting wage and hour rights
• Termination due to whistleblowing
• Complaints about workplace safety issues
• Termination after filing a sexual harassment complaint
• Termination after filing a workers’ compensation claim
• Taking time off for military leave, military spouse leave, or jury duty
• Taking leave under FMLA/PFL or other protected leave

In some situations, an employer may offer a fired employee a severance package. Many employees sign the agreement because they are worried about losing their income. However, these agreements are generally created to benefit the employer. You should always consult with an attorney before signing anything.

Violation of Employment Contracts

An at-will employee may have been wrongfully terminated if the employer has failed to comply with employment contractual obligations or employer policies as mentioned in the written contract. If your contract specifies clear reasons the employer may legally fire you, they are obligated to abide by the terms of the contract. If you are fired for a reason not covered in the contract, you may have been unlawfully terminated.

Other Employment Law Violations

Wrongful termination in NY because of race, marital status, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics is illegal. You cannot be fired for claiming lost wages, lost benefits, or sick leave; for making a disability benefits claim; for filing a sexual harassment claim; for approaching the workers compensation board or other public agency; and more. If you believe you lost your job because of one of these or other unlawful reasons in New York state, it could mean that you have a strong wrongful termination case.

You may also have a potential retaliation claim against the employer, depending on the reasons of your firing. If you are terminated for complaining about sexual harassment, unsafe work conditions, or whistleblowing or have been removed for any reasons that are in violation of the employment law, you should seek legal protection of your rights. A terminated employee should start with a confidential consultation with the wrongful termination attorneys at Levine & Blit.

What to Do After Termination

If you believe you were fired illegally, it is a good idea to speak with a skilled lawyer in employment & labor matters. Our New York City wrongful termination attorneys will evaluate the strength of your claim and advise you of your options for getting your job back, negotiating severance pay, or filing a lawsuit against your former employer. We will guide you through the process and communicate regularly with you about the status of your case.

Take the first step by contacting our law firm at (212) 967-3000 today. Any wrongful termination attorney at our firm is ready to help.