Wrongful Termination
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.
What Is the Time Limit for a Wrongful Termination Claim?
You have a limited time to act if you believe you were fired illegally. This deadline, or "statute of limitations," is strictly enforced and varies depending on the reason for your claim. Missing it can permanently prevent you from seeking justice.
- Discrimination Claims: These often have the shortest deadlines. You may need to file a complaint with an agency like the EEOC or Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) in as little as 180 to 300 days.
- Contract Claims: The deadlines for breach of contract are different. In Washington, you generally have six years to sue for a written contract violation but only three years for an oral one.
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Fired?
The steps you take right after termination are critical. Before you sign any documents, especially a severance or release agreement, it is essential to have an experienced employment attorney review it, as you could be signing away your right to a lawsuit. We also recommend you preserve all records related to your employment, including copies of your offer letter, employment agreement, handbook, performance reviews, pay stubs, and any relevant emails or messages. Finally, while it is fresh in your memory, write down a detailed timeline of the events leading up to your firing, noting specific dates, what was said, who was present, and any potential witnesses.
Understanding the Wrongful Termination Legal Process
The process begins with a confidential legal consultation to review the facts of your case. If we determine you have a valid claim, our team investigates by gathering evidence, requesting your personnel file, and interviewing witnesses. Depending on the claim, we may file with a government agency or file a lawsuit directly in court. This leads to a phase called "discovery," where both sides exchange information. While we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, our skilled negotiators will also pursue a favorable settlement to secure the compensation you deserve.
What our customers are saying
“I recommend James Kytle. James handled my Personal Injury matter. Jim Kytle is a great lawyer. He always kept me well informed and did well with my case. I highly recommend him.”
— Personal Injury Client
“Excellent people skills. Kept me informed constantly and I felt she was there for me. Have used her services more than once and refer her out on a regular basis to potential clients… Read More
— Discrimination Client
“Mary Ruth was wonderful to work with. She has a high level of integrity. Mary Ruth knew how to be gentle when it was called for and aggressive when it was needed. I felt she truly cared about the indignities that I suffered at the hands of my prior employer. Mary Ruth and her skilled team brought me a sense of justice at the end of a nightmare. read more..."
— Wrongful Termination Client
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.