New York Wrongful Termination Lawyers

Top-Rated Employment Lawyers for Discrimination & Retaliation Issues

Were you fired for reasons you suspect may have been illegal? The New York unlawful termination attorneys at Valiant Law will fight for you. Since 2016, our firm has represented clients throughout the state who have been mistreated at work illegally. We will help you stand up for your rights by building you a strong claim, assisting you with all relevant legal processes and procedures, and negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf. 

Contact us now for a FREE consultation with our New York unlawful termination lawyers near you. We speak English, Spanish, Armenian, and Farsi. 

What Is Considered Unlawful Termination?

Also known as wrongful termination or wrongful discharge, unlawful termination occurs when an employer lets an employee go due to an illegal reason, such as discrimination or retaliation. 

Because New York is an “at-will” employment state like most others in the U.S., employers are allowed to terminate employees without the former necessarily having to provide a reason. This often makes it difficult to prove—or even determine—whether your termination was wrongful. Yet, there are situations in which firing an employee is more clearly unlawful.

What Qualifies as Wrongful Termination in New York?

New York is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees for any reason or no reason at all—unless the termination violates state or federal laws. Common grounds for wrongful termination claims include:

Retaliation for Whistleblowing

Employees who report workplace violations, such as illegal activities or safety hazards, are legally protected from retaliation. If you were fired for whistleblowing, you may have a valid claim.

Breach of Employment Contract

If your employer violated the terms of a written or implied contract by terminating your employment, you could be entitled to legal recourse.

Firing in Violation of Public Policy

An employer cannot fire you for reasons that violate public policy, such as refusing to engage in illegal activity, serving on a jury, or taking legally protected medical leave.

Legal Remedies for Wrongful Termination

If you were wrongfully terminated, you may be entitled to compensation and other legal remedies, including:

• Lost Wages & Benefits – Recover the earnings and benefits you lost due to wrongful termination.
• Emotional Distress Damages – Compensation for psychological harm caused by your termination.
• Reinstatement – In some cases, courts may order your employer to reinstate your position.
• Punitive Damages – If your employer acted with malicious intent, additional damages may be awarded.

Common Examples of Unlawful Termination

For example, wrongful termination is often the result of illegal discrimination due to:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender
• Nationality
• Pregnancy
• Race
• Religion
• Sexual orientation

Termination is also considered unlawful if it was made in response to an employee’s valid complaints about the company’s refusal to comply with labor laws or safety regulations.

What to Do After Being Unlawfully Terminated

If you have been wrongfully terminated—or if you left your place of employment because of a significant change in your working conditions—you may be entitled to unemployment compensation as well as other related losses you suffered due to having to leave your job. 

To do so, however, you may have to file a lawsuit, make a formal written demand to the company, file a charge with the EEOC, and more. Every claim is different, so the steps and strategies that are right for you may not necessarily work for someone else. 

An experienced attorney can assist you with all of the above and then some. While you can file a charge without legal representation, employment counsel can significantly help you through this process and will likely set you up to receive the maximum compensation possible. 

Essential Do’s & Don’ts After Wrongful Termination

If you have been unlawfully terminated…

Do:

• Ask your employer to give you a written explanation for your termination and keep a record of this documentation.
• Get one or more reference letters from your supervisors.
• Return all company property to your employer.
• Note the names and contact information of other employees who could potentially act as witnesses in your case.
• Carefully consider and review any verbal or written statements you make to your former supervisors or colleagues as such statements may later be used against you.
• Get legal counsel from an unlawful termination lawyer to determine whether you have a claim.

Don’t:

• Become openly angry, as yelling, making threats, or resorting to violence at any time will hurt your claim.
• Say or do anything that could provide your employer with “cause” for your termination—continue to respect all company rules while you remain employed.
• Take any company property or documents that are not yours, even if you believe they will help with your case.
• Assume the terms of your severance arrangement are set in stone—consult with an attorney before signing anything.
• Sign a release of claims unless you are certain that you do not want to pursue legal action.
• Send any written complaints or grievances to company employees, human resources (HR), or supervisors without first consulting a lawyer for advice.
• Write any appreciative or complimentary messages or emails to your employer if you are considering taking legal action.

Why Choose Valiant Law for Your Wrongful Termination Case?

Losing your job can be a devastating experience, especially if you believe you were wrongfully terminated. At Valiant Law, our skilled New York wrongful termination attorneys are committed to protecting employees' rights and ensuring justice is served. Whether your termination was due to discrimination, retaliation, or a breach of contract, our legal team is here to fight for you.

• Proven Track Record – Our New York wrongful termination lawyers have successfully represented employees in wrongful termination cases across New York.
• Personalized Legal Strategies – Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to maximize your chances of success.
• Aggressive Advocacy – We are committed to holding employers accountable for unlawful terminations.

Contact Our New York Wrongful Termination Attorneys

To learn more about what to do if you have been wrongfully terminated from your job, reach out to our New York unlawful termination firm right away to discuss your case during a free consultation. Our wrongful termination lawyers will help you determine your legal options based on the facts of your unique circumstances.

Recommended Readings:

• What Should You Do if You Were Wrongfully Terminated

Call (914) 350-3710 or contact us online to get started with a New York unlawful termination lawyer. 

Wrongful Termination FAQs

1. How do I know if I was wrongfully terminated?

If your termination was based on discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, or a violation of public policy, you may have a wrongful termination case.

2. What evidence do I need for a wrongful termination case?

Evidence such as emails, performance reviews, witness statements, and employment contracts can help support your claim.

3. How long do I have to file a wrongful termination claim in New York?

The statute of limitations varies based on the type of claim. Discrimination-based claims typically have a 300-day deadline under federal law and three years under New York law.

4. Can I sue my employer for firing me without cause?

New York follows at-will employment laws, but if your firing violated legal protections, you may have a case.

5. What should I do if I was wrongfully terminated?

Document everything related to your termination, gather evidence, and contact a wrongful termination attorney immediately.