Wrongful termination in NJ: Questions to ask an employment attorney
Workplace discrimination is unfortunate but happens all the time. It could refer to something like discrimination on the basis of age, sex, gender, or race, or something more serious like wrongful termination because of whistleblowing. If you have been fired from the job and believe that your employer did so because of a specific reason, consulting an attorney is a wise decision. New Jersey is an at-will employment state, so your employer can technically fire for any reason. However, whether they have breached a contract signed with you, or the termination was done on unlawful grounds, is something that a skilled employment lawyer in Trenton can evaluate. Here are some quick questions to ask when you meet an employment attorney.
- I was fired unfairly. Can I file a lawsuit against my employer?
The term “wrongful termination” must be understood in depth. Just because you believe that you have fired unfairly doesn’t mean you can take legal action in New Jersey. Your employment attorney can check all relevant facts and aspects of the case, to answer the question. If the firing was more of retaliatory action, your attorney will try to investigate, if the matter can be proved. For instance, if the termination was a clear violation of the job contract, you may have a valid claim.
- What is your experience with comparable circumstances?
When you look for employment attorneys, think of experience over everything else. Keep in mind that going to a family lawyer or estate planning attorney will not yield any results. You need a lawyer specializing in employment law. Ask the employment attorney if they have handled similar cases and the outcomes of such cases. This gives you a fair idea of what to expect from an attorney.
- How do you charge for your work?
Many employment attorneys in NJ work on an hourly rate, and even when the case is likely to get stretched, your lawyer can give an estimate of their fee. Depending on the facts of the case, an attorney may agree to work on a flat fee, or may even agree to a contingency fee. If your employment attorney works on a contingency basis, they will ask for a fee, only if they win a settlement. Their fee is a percentage of the settlement they win for you.
Final word
Contact an employment attorney, as soon as you run into trouble with your employer. You can also consult a lawyer, just to review your job contract before you join.
Workplace discrimination is unfortunate but happens all the time. It could refer to something like discrimination on the basis of age, sex, gender, or race, or something more serious like wrongful termination because of whistleblowing. If you have been fired from the job and believe that your employer did so because of a specific reason,…
