Seattle Wrongful Termination Attorneys Aid Fired Workers

How do you prove a wrongful termination claim in Washington?

Your job is what gives you the ability to provide for your family. For many, our employment and good workplace reputation is one of our most valued possessions. When your employment is taken away illegally, the Seattle wrongful termination attorneys of Mann & Kytle, PLLC will work hard to set things right. With more than 70 years of combined legal experience serving clients throughout Washington, we’ll give you knowledgeable, straightforward advice about the relevant laws and how they apply to you. Should you choose to seek legal relief, our litigators will make every effort to achieve a favorable outcome.

What is wrongful termination and what can you do about it?

“At will” employment rules give companies an advantage when they want to dismiss someone, but while businesses can fire someone for no reason, there are certain unlawful justifications that can give rise to a wrongful termination claim, such as:

• Discrimination — Our discrimination lawyers assist individuals who believe they were released from their job because they belong to an identity group that is protected under federal or Washington law.
• Retaliation — Companies are not permitted to fire someone for lodging a complaint about discrimination, sexual harassment or fraudulent practices.
• Violations of public policy — Circumstances where a business should not be allowed to fire someone can trigger a worthy wrongful termination claim. For example, someone should not be fired because they refused when their boss asked them to engage in dishonest behavior with a customer.
• Contract breaches — Some employer-employee relationships are governed by a contract signed by the parties. If an agreement sets forth standards that must be followed when the worker is to be fired, failure to honor those standards can justify legal action regardless of the at will employment rules.
• Lack of “just cause” for termination — If a contract, union agreement or public employment rules require “just cause” to terminate an employee, our firm can advise if this standard was met.

Once you discuss your case with one of our Seattle employment attorneys, you will have a better understanding as to likelihood you will succeed in a wrongful termination claim.

Can a worker sue a former employer if they felt forced to quit?

Businesses shouldn’t get away with an improper dismissal when they make working conditions so intolerable that the employee feels forced to quit. It is possible to bring a constructive wrongful termination action if a reasonable person would have left their job when faced with similar circumstances. A claimant could demonstrate that a constructive termination occurred if they did not receive the salary they were owed or if a hostile work environment became so oppressive that a typical employee would not be able to perform their work duties.

Are most wrongful termination cases settled?

Sometimes, going to court is the only way to achieve justice in a wrongful termination case, but litigation can also add uncertainty, expense and stress to an already difficult situation. By preparing a thorough, well-supported case for relief, our firm can often persuade businesses to settle claims on terms that are favorable to the fired worker. From start to finish, we keep you aware of the likelihood of success at trial so you can make an informed decision on whether to accept a settlement offer.

What type of relief is available in a wrongful termination lawsuit?

A successful wrongful termination lawsuit should restore you to the position you were in prior to the illegal firing and/or compensate you for the harm you have suffered. Specific types of damages in these cases can include reimbursement for lost income, benefits you did not receive and costs to relieve the mental anguish triggered by the dismissal. In some cases, you might be able to return to your job.

Contact a thorough Washington wrongful termination attorney for a consultation  

Mann & Kytle, PLLC in Downtown Seattle handles wrongful termination claims on behalf of fired employees across Washington State. To make an appointment regarding your legal options, please call 206-457-2057 or contact us online.