When an employee is fired for an illegal reason, it is known as wrongful termination. Employees in New Jersey are entitled to compensation for financial losses incurred as a result of wrongful termination. But how much can you expect from a situation like this? Let’s take a look at the average wrongful termination settlements and the elements that may affect your payout. Contact The Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi for assistance if you believe you were unlawfully fired from your job.
Damages Available in a Wrongful Termination Case
In a wrongful termination lawsuit, the damages granted are intended to compensate you for the losses you have suffered as a result of being fired without cause. Unlawful termination can be prosecuted under state or federal law, resulting in a wide range of legal penalties. The following are examples of common forms:
- Emotional distress
- Wage/salary loss, including front pay and back pay
- Non-wage benefits, such as health insurance
- Harmed professional reputation
- Medical costs for treating conditions caused or exacerbated by the termination or those incurred from changes in your health insurance.
- Legal fees for the wrongful termination claim
Punitive damages may be granted in specific cases to penalize an employer who has been malicious in their treatment of an employee. These and other non-economic damages are difficult to calculate and should be left to an expert attorney. An employment attorney can also help you understand all of your choices and what to expect from your wrongful termination lawsuit.
Average Wrongful Termination Settlement
Each wrongful termination case, like most legal cases, is unique, as is the settlement the plaintiff obtains. Employees who have been unlawfully terminated often obtain compensation ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. The precise quantity will be determined by a number of factors, including:
- Your previous salary
- Your conduct as an employee
- The benefits you previously received in your position
- Your skillset and age
- The strength of your future employment prospects, i.e., did your employer ruin your reputation?
- Whether you have legal representation.
- Whether you can counter the damages suffered by getting a new job.
Employees in senior management positions, on average, earn bigger settlements than low-wage or entry-level employees. This is especially true if their dismissal was clearly illegal under state or federal law. The amount of damages you get will also be determined by your actions as an employee.
Tips for Maximizing Your Wrongful Termination Settlement
You can improve your chances of getting a substantial wrongful termination settlement by:
- Maintaining a journal of the events leading up to your termination.
- Keeping accurate and current records related to your employment, including your employee handbook, employment contract, and termination papers.
- Keeping a record of all receipts and bills for any costs incurred because of your termination.
- Contact a New Jersey employment attorney as soon as possible.
Talk to a New Jersey Wrongful Termination Lawyer
There is no predetermined amount for wrongful termination settlements, and the amount you get will be determined by a number of criteria. If you believe you were wrongfully fired from your employment, contact Usmaan Sleemi at The Law Offices of Usmaan Sleemi for legal assistance. Our employment lawyers have a lot of expertise and will help you achieve the justice you deserve.
