Fighting For Your Rights After Wrongful Termination In Mesa
When you are wrongfully terminated, it adds an extra layer of injustice. However, due to the complex nature of such legal matters, it is better to let an experienced Arizona employment lawyer handle these cases.
At Ernst, Brown & Draper, we are committed to standing by Mesa employees to help ensure wrongful termination cases are handled with utmost care. Our experienced employment lawyers bring 25+ years of knowledge from big firms to our boutique Mesa office, where we focus on employment law intricacies to better fight for your legal rights.
What Constitutes Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer violates the law by firing an employee. While Arizona is an “at-will” state where employers can terminate employees without cause, there are important legal exceptions. You might have a claim if you were wrongfully terminated based on:
- Discrimination: Illegal termination due to race, gender, age, disability, religion or national origin
- Retaliation: Termination for reporting workplace violations or discrimination
- Breach of contract: If you have a contract, your termination must follow its terms
- Public policy violations: Firing for refusing illegal acts or for exercising legal rights
You may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim if your termination falls under any of these categories. However, you must act quickly, as the law imposes strict deadlines, including 180 days to file with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and one year for breach of contract claims.
Recognizing Workplace Discrimination
Workplace discrimination takes many forms and often leads to wrongful termination. Discrimination occurs when employees face adverse treatment based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or genetic information.
In the workplace, discrimination can manifest as unequal pay, denial of promotions, exclusion from opportunities, hostile work environments or unfavorable assignments. When discrimination becomes the basis for termination, it violates both federal and Arizona state employment laws, creating grounds for legal action.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Discrimination
Identifying discrimination requires attention to patterns and documentation of troubling incidents. Watch for these warning signs that may indicate discriminatory treatment:
- Sudden negative performance reviews despite previously positive feedback
- Different standards applied to you compared to colleagues of different backgrounds
- Exclusion from meetings, communications or advancement opportunities
- Inappropriate comments, jokes or slurs related to protected characteristics
- Disciplinary actions for behaviors that others engage in without consequence
- Reassignment to less desirable duties following protected activities like FMLA leave
Maintaining detailed records of all concerning incidents, including dates, times, witnesses and exact statements becomes crucial evidence if legal action becomes necessary. Documentation created in real time holds significant weight in discrimination cases. Email communications, text messages and internal company documents can reveal discriminatory patterns that might otherwise remain hidden from view.
Legal Protections Against Discrimination
Federal laws including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provide significant protections for employees.
Arizona also offers additional protections through the Arizona Civil Rights Act, which applies to employers with 15 or more employees. Understanding which laws apply to your situation affects both the filing process and potential remedies available. These protections extend beyond termination to include hiring practices, promotion decisions, compensation structures and workplace conditions, creating a comprehensive framework for addressing discriminatory employment practices.
How Our Attorneys Handle Discrimination Cases
Our approach to discrimination-based termination claims begins with a thorough investigation of your workplace experiences. We collect evidence, interview witnesses and analyze company policies and procedures for potential violations.
When appropriate, we guide you through the EEOC filing process, making sure all deadlines are met and the required information is properly submitted. If the EEOC investigation does not resolve your matter, we prepare a comprehensive litigation strategy focused on securing the maximum compensation for your losses.
Seeking Justice For Wrongful Termination
When you entrust your case to us, we initiate an initial consultation to evaluate your case. If you were wrongfully terminated, our Arizona employment lawyer can fight to secure fair compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Continuation of benefits
- Job placement assistance
- Emotional distress damages
- Attorney’s fees
In some cases, we can also seek reinstatement to your previous position if desired.
You Are Not Alone In This Fight
Do not let a wrongful termination derail your career and financial stability in Arizona. Call Ernst, Brown & Draper at 602-858-5940 or fill out our online form or visit our Mesa office to let us work together to turn this setback into a comeback.