Losing your job is a devastating blow, especially when you suspect unfair or illegal reasons. Your career, built on years of hard work, is ripped away instantly. The injustice burns, and the feeling that you have been wronged gnaws at you. You deserve answers and accountability. A New York City lawyer can help you fight back and protect your rights.
At D’Andrea Law PLLC, I don’t just see a case number; I see a person whose life has been disrupted. I understand that unlawful termination is more than a lost paycheck; it’s a violation of your trust and a theft of your future. That is why I am committed to providing strong legal advocacy for those unjustly treated by their employers.
Contact the Firm online today for a free consultation.
What Constitutes Unlawful Termination in New York? Insights from a New York City Attorney
New York is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees for nearly any reason or even for no reason. However, there are important exceptions to this rule. You may have an unlawful termination claim if your dismissal violated federal, state, or local employment laws.
Unlawful termination occurs when your firing is due to the following:
- Discrimination. Employers cannot fire employees based on race, gender, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin, for example. Employers often attempt to mask discrimination as a performance-related termination, but patterns of unfair treatment can indicate illegal motives.
- Retaliation. Employers cannot terminate employees for reporting illegal activities, discrimination, harassment, or workplace safety violations. If you were fired shortly after reporting misconduct or raising workplace concerns, your termination could be unlawful.
- Breach of contract. If you had an employment contract specifying job security or a termination process, and your employer violated it, you could have grounds for a claim. Contracts can provide specific terms regarding job security, severance pay, and conditions for dismissal.
- Violation of public policy. Terminating an employee for refusing to participate in illegal activities or exercising a legal right can have legal consequences. This includes terminations that punish employees for serving jury duty, taking medical or family leave, or exercising their rights under employment laws.
If you suspect your employer violated these laws, the best way to understand your options is to consult a New York City attorney.
How to Prove Unlawful Termination in New York
Your employer will likely argue that your firing was lawful, so proving your case requires strategic legal representation. Employers often document reasons for termination that may not reflect their true motives, so gathering the proper evidence is crucial.
Key pieces of evidence that can help prove unlawful termination include:
- Employment contracts, policies, or handbooks—documents that outline termination procedures and demonstrate employer violations;
- Emails, texts, or other correspondence—messages indicating discriminatory, harassing, or retaliatory intent or a sudden shift in an employer’s attitude toward you;
- Performance reviews—if you were consistently rated as a strong performer and then suddenly received negative reviews;
- Company records—internal documents or statements that contradict your employer’s reason for termination; and
- Documentation of similar cases—records showing a pattern of other employees being fired under similar circumstances.
D’Andrea Law PLLC has extensive experience building compelling cases against employers who violate the law. This Firm is not afraid to take on powerful corporations and hold them accountable.
What Compensation Can You Receive for Unlawful Termination?
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm you suffered.
Potential damages in an unlawful termination case include:
- Lost wages and benefits. Back pay for the income you lost, including bonuses and benefits. If your termination caused you to lose stock options, commissions, or other financial perks, those could also be recoverable.
- Front pay. Compensation for the wages you would have earned if you had not been fired. If reinstatement is impossible, front pay may help bridge the gap until you secure a comparable job.
- Emotional distress damages. Financial recovery for the mental and emotional toll of losing your job unfairly. Losing a job under unlawful circumstances can cause anxiety, depression, and reputational harm. Damages may be enhanced if you have seen a treating therapist, physician, or medical provider for the distress caused at the workplace.
- Punitive damages. If your employer acted with egregious misconduct, the court may award additional damages as punishment.
- Attorney fees and legal costs. If you win at trial or arbitration, your employer will have to cover your legal expenses.
- Reinstatement. In some situations, courts may order your employer to reinstate you to your previous or comparable position.
Filing a claim with a New York City lawyer can help you fight for the maximum compensation available under the law.
Steps to Take If You Were Unlawfully Terminated and When to Seek Out an Attorney
Taking the proper steps can strengthen your claim and protect your rights if you believe you were unfairly fired.
Here is what you should do:
- Document everything. Save any emails, texts, performance reviews, or other records that could serve as evidence.
- Request a reason for termination. Your employer may not be required to provide one, but if they do, having their explanation in writing can be helpful.
- Consult with a lawyer for unlawful termination. An experienced attorney can help you determine the best legal strategy for your case.
D’Andrea Law PLLC offers representation for employees who need a strong advocate in employment disputes. I take on employers who think they are above the law and fight to restore your professional reputation and financial security.
Why Choose D’Andrea Law PLLC as Your New York City Lawyer?
Unlawful termination cases require more than just legal knowledge; they demand a law firm that understands employment clashes and their impact on a person’s career. D’Andrea Law PLLC is not your typical employment law firm. I am selective about my cases, ensuring my clients receive assertive, results-driven representation.
This Firm stands out because I:
- Offer tailored legal strategies. Each case is unique, and I develop a personalized plan to strengthen your claim.
- Have extensive litigation experience. I am prepared to take your case to court or to arbitration if we cannot reach a settlement.
- Provide aggressive advocacy. I am not intimidated by large corporations or their legal teams, having represented such large corporations and municipalities prior to starting this Firm.
- Support my clients throughout the entire legal process. I guide you every step of the way, from potentially negotiating a settlement pre-litigation to having to engage in litigation.
This Firm is founded by an attorney who spent years inside corporate law firms that represented major corporations, witnessing firsthand how employers attempt to sidestep employment laws. This unique insider knowledge allows this Firm to anticipate and counter employer strategies effectively, helping to give my clients an edge that other firms simply cannot offer.
Contact D’Andrea Law Today
An unlawful termination can turn your world upside down. Losing your job unfairly can create financial uncertainty, emotional distress, and long-term career setbacks. This Firm fights relentlessly to restore your career, reputation, and peace of mind. If you are searching for wrongful firing lawyers who understand the stakes of your career and financial future, contact D’Andrea Law PLLC today to discuss your case.
Resources:
- New York State Division of Human Rights, File a Complaint, link.
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Please do not act or refrain from acting based on anything you read on this site. Attorney websites, such as this one, are considered attorney advertising. No prior result in a case guarantees a future result that is the same. Each case this Firm handles is individual with different facts and therefore every case is different. This Firm cannot guarantee any specific result in your case.