Various federal and state laws govern the treatment of employees at the workplace. Common legislations include sexual harassment laws, anti-discrimination laws, and laws governing employee benefits. Some laws govern how employers hire and classify employees and how an employer fires their workers.
Unfortunately, not every employer holds up their end of the bargain and puts your financial wellbeing at risk when you’re wrongfully terminated. This post outlines tips on choosing the best employment attorney to help with your wrongful termination lawsuit.
What is Considered Wrongful Termination?
While it’s normal to feel wronged after the termination of a job contract, the legal definition of wrongful termination depends on what the law considers illegal. Under federal employment law and Pennsylvania labor law, it’s unlawful for an employer to terminate a worker based on:
- Gender
- Religion
- Race
- Pregnancy or family status
- Age – if the employee is over 40 years old
- A team member holding a GED instead of a high school diploma
In most cases, a wrongful termination claim is based on either discrimination based on federal and state laws or a breach of the employment contract. Because Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, you’ll need to provide sufficient evidence to prove wrongful termination.
How to Choose an Employment Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA?
While you may know that you need a wrongful termination lawyer in Western Pennsylvania, choosing one is a different ball game altogether. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing an employment attorney.
Experience with Wrongful Termination Cases
Employment law in Pennsylvania is complex and dynamic, hence the importance of hiring someone who specializes in this particular practice area. An experienced employment lawyer can identify weaknesses in the defense strategy and leverage them to hold your former employer accountable. They understand what it takes to win a workers’ compensation claim case and will go to bat for you.
The best PA wrongful termination lawyers will explain their expertise and provide valuable insights into certain matters regarding wrongful termination law. Check if the lawyer has worked on cases similar to yours in the past few years.
Last but not least, some employment lawyers represent employees, and others work with employers. Ensure that you hire an attorney who specializes in representing employees.
Choose a Pittsburgh-based Law Firm
During your quest for a wrongful termination lawyer, prioritize local law firms. Hiring a local wrongful termination lawyer is ideal as you can meet with them in person to discuss your lawsuit. A local attorney is also better equipped to understand the market in which you work and use it to get you the compensation you deserve.
JP Ward & Associates is conveniently located at South Highland Avenue in Pittsburgh, PA. Our team of attorneys is always ready to discuss your case and determine how we can help you. Feel free to visit us for a free consultation.
Learn More About their Reputation
It’s always a good idea to seek out reviews and recommendations when comparing wrongful termination lawyers. Talk to friends and family who may have similar experiences and ask about their experience with their lawyer.
If you don’t know anyone who has ever dealt with employment law but knows they are involved with legal professionals, reaches out. Find out if their lawyer handles workplace discrimination cases or if they can refer you to someone.
Check for Ethics Violations
There are more than 50,000 lawyers in Pennsylvania across different practice areas. They are governed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and an ethical code called the Rules of Professional Conduct.
The best wrongful termination lawyers adhere to these rules of conduct and maintain high standards of integrity. If the question of unethical conduct arises, complaints can be filed with the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Lawyers can be disciplined for several issues ranging from misappropriating client funds to gross ethical violations. It’s up to you to research a wrongful termination lawyer’s disciplinary history.
Take into account the circumstances surrounding the discipline and the disciplinary action taken. For instance, some attorneys who have been disciplined aren’t eligible to practice law in Pennsylvania.
Trust Your Gut
You’ll be spending a lot of time with your employment lawyer, interacting on different legal matters. That said, you must work with a wrongful termination lawyer you like. Their personality and values should match yours, or your strained relationship will negatively affect the lawsuit.
A strong relationship between you and your lawyer can help facilitate a resolution and achieve the desired outcome. The better your attorney understands your priorities, values, and needs, the higher the chances of winning the Pittsburgh, PA, wrongful termination case.
At JP Ward & Associates, we are committed to building lasting relationships with clients and providing practical advice that you can rely on.
Take Advantage of the Free Consultations
Many wrongful termination lawyers in Pittsburgh, PA, offer a free consultation to private individuals, and you should take advantage of it. Meet with at least three law firms and ask questions like;
- Can the case be resolved with a letter and negotiations, or will you have to file a lawsuit?
- What deadlines apply to your wrongful termination case?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of your case?
- How will you be charged?
- Which wrongful termination attorneys will handle your case?
- What is special about the law offices and the people in them?
The answers to these questions should inspire confidence and, if not, move on.
Are you a Victim of Wrongful Dismissal? Contact the Best PA Wrongful Termination Lawyers
Going up against your former employer in Allegheny county can be an uncomfortable situation. Winning is not easy, and even the fair cases involve uncertainty and can last years.
A good termination lawyer can identify weaknesses in your case, tell you what to expect, and help you hold your employer accountable for illegal firing. It’s not easy getting the right lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA, but the above tips are a good start.
With decades of combined litigation experience in personal injury and employment cases, the attorneys at JP Ward & Associates will fight for your rights and maximum compensation. Contact us at (412) 426-4878 for legal advice or to schedule an initial consultation.