Atlanta Wrongful Termination Attorney

Serving Throughout Georgia

Experiencing a wrongful termination can be tremendously stressful and if you have reason to believe that you were illegally let go from your job, our firm wants to hear from you. At Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP, we believe that employers must be held accountable when they knowingly violate worker rights, and our firm can help you to understand your legal options. Our wrongful termination lawyers possess more than 80 years of collective experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients in past cases.

Request an initial case evaluation with our attorneys to confirm if you have a wrongful termination claim.  Complete our online contact form or call (404) 781-1100.

What Constitutes Wrongful Termination?

Georgia is an “at-will” state regarding employment which means that a worker may be let go for almost any reason, or in some cases with no reason. However, employees are afforded many state and federal protections and there are many reasons for which an employee cannot be fired. Wrongful termination can come in many forms and our firm can help you seek compensation for your damages.

Examples of wrongful termination can include:

• Employee discrimination: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (1984) established “protected classes” including race, sex, nationality, and religion. Employers are prohibited from taking negative actions against an employee based on these classes.
• Retaliatory actions: It is against the law for employees to be punished for engaging in legal actions such as filing a complaint about harassment or whistleblowing. While retaliation can include wrongful termination, it can also include acts such as demotion, sudden transfers, and denial of a raise or a promotion.
• Breach of contract: While employment is normally “at-will”, a contract may specify the terms under which an employee may be let go. When a contract includes clauses relating to job security, a case me be made that a worker is not an at-will employee. Spoken or implied promises, while more difficult to prove, may also afford workers protections from wrongful termination.
• Policy violations: It is illegal to release a worker for engaging in acts protected by state or federal policies. For example, a worker cannot be let go for taking time off to serve on a jury, to vote, or to serve in the military.

How to Sue an Employer for Wrongful Termination in Atlanta

The most important aspect to a wrongful termination case is evidence. It's best to start gathering evidence as soon as you suspect you may be wrongfully discharged.

Some examples of supporting evidence in a wrongful termination claim include:

• Witness statements
• A copy of your employment contract or handbook
• Copies of positive performance reviews
• Termination notice, if in writing
• Emails and other communications
• Names of those involved in firing you
• A timeline of events, such as time you took FMLA leave if applicable

The first step to starting an unlawful termination case is to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC. The EEOC will conduct their own investigation and, if they do find evidence of fault, attempt to provide a remedy. If you believe the remedy is not sufficient, or if the EEOC does not find evidence of wrongful termination, you can bring your case to court. The EEOC will issue a Right to Sue letter, and you must file your wrongful termination lawsuit within 90 days.

If you have a Right to Sue letter, it is vital to get in touch with an employment attorney as soon as possible. Our experienced attorneys in Atlanta can provide you the aggressive and thorough representation your case needs.

Do you have questions about the circumstances of your termination? Call (404) 781-1100 and tell our attorneys about your case.