Wrongful Termination Attorneys in Rochester, NY
Fired for the Wrong Reasons? We’re Here to Help
Getting fired hurts. It’s frustrating, emotional, and downright scary when it happens unfairly. Here in Rochester, NY, you’ve got rights—and no one should toss you aside like yesterday’s news. A Rochester wrongful termination lawyer can help ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
With Horn Wright, LLP, you have one of the best law firms in America in your corner. We understand how much is at stake for you and your family. We’re ready to stand by your side and make sure your employer doesn’t get away with it.
Your Job Isn’t Just a Paycheck: Fight Back Against Wrongful Termination
Your job isn’t just a source of income. It’s your security. It’s how you chase your dreams and provide for your loved ones. When an employer fires you unfairly, it feels like a punch to the gut. But guess what? You don’t have to take it lying down. A skilled wrongful termination lawyer can help you push back and fight for justice. Whether it’s discrimination, retaliation, or a broken agreement, wrongful termination is illegal, plain and simple.
Here’s what wrongful termination often looks like:
- Getting fired after reporting illegal practices: If you’ve blown the whistle on shady dealings or unsafe conditions, your employer can’t retaliate by showing you the door.
- Being let go because of who you are: Discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or disability? It’s illegal—period.
- Retaliation for taking medical or family leave: The Family and Medical Leave Act is there to protect you when you need time off to care for yourself or your loved ones. Firing you for that? Nope.
- Breaking a contract: Got an employment agreement that spells out how termination works? Your employer has to stick to it.
New York is an “at-will” state, which gives employers flexibility, but it doesn’t give them a free pass to break the law. If your firing feels shady, it’s time to take action.
Know Your Rights: What New York Says About Wrongful Termination
New York might be an “at-will” state, but that doesn’t mean employers can treat workers like they’re disposable. There are limits, and when employers cross those lines, the law is on your side.
In Rochester, you’re protected by:
- Anti-discrimination laws: No one can fire you because of your race, gender, age, disability, or religion. State and federal laws have your back here.
- Whistleblower protections: Calling out illegal activity shouldn’t cost you your job. Whether it’s fraud, safety issues, or ethical violations, your voice matters.
- Contractual agreements: If you’ve got a written or implied employment contract, your employer has to honor it. That includes union contracts and company policies.
Figuring out where you stand under these laws can be tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’ll help you connect the dots and uncover the truth.
Don’t Wait: What You Should Do After Being Wrongfully Fired
Getting fired feels like the rug’s been pulled out from under you. But acting quickly can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to do:
- Start keeping records: Save everything—emails, texts, memos. Write down details about conversations and meetings that led to your firing.
- Ask for a termination letter: Get your employer to put their reasons in writing. Trust us; this can be a game-changer.
- Hang on to evidence: Was there discrimination? Retaliation? Save proof—comments, sudden changes in treatment, performance reviews that don’t add up.
- Call a lawyer: Don’t sign anything until you’ve talked to someone who knows the law. Severance agreements and waivers can hide traps.
Act fast, and you’ll set yourself up for a stronger case and a better chance at justice.
Proof is Everything: Building a Case That Sticks
In wrongful termination cases, evidence is king. Without it, proving your employer did something illegal can feel like an uphill battle. So what counts as good evidence?
- Performance reviews: If your firing is blamed on “poor performance,” stellar reviews can punch holes in that argument.
- Emails and texts: Written proof of discrimination or retaliation can be a slam dunk.
- Witnesses: Coworkers who’ve seen what’s really going on can back up your claims.
- Employment contracts: If there’s a written agreement, use it to show how your employer broke the rules.
The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of holding your employer accountable. And that’s where having a skilled lawyer in your corner makes all the difference.
At-Will Employment vs. Wrongful Termination: Let’s Clear Things Up
“At-will employment” sounds straightforward, but it’s not always what it seems. Sure, your boss can fire you for almost any reason. But “almost” is the keyword here.
Here’s what they can’t do:
- Discriminate against you: Firing you because of your identity or status? That’s illegal.
- Retaliate for standing up for your rights: Reporting violations or taking legal leave shouldn’t cost you your job.
- Break contracts: Promised job security or specific termination procedures? Your employer can’t ignore those agreements.
If something feels off about your firing, don’t brush it aside. Let’s figure it out together.
Time’s Not on Your Side: Filing Deadlines You Need to Know
Deadlines are a big deal in wrongful termination cases. If you miss them, you could lose your chance to hold your employer accountable.
Here’s the lowdown:
- Discrimination claims: You’ve got 300 days to file with the EEOC for most claims.
- State-level claims: Under New York law, it can range from 30 days to 3 years.
- Contract disputes: Deadlines depend on what your agreement says.
Don’t let the clock run out. A quick call to a wrongful termination lawyer can make sure you’re on track and ready to take action.
When Speaking Up Costs You Your Job: Retaliation is Real
Standing up for what’s right shouldn’t leave you out of a job. Retaliation is illegal, and employers who punish whistleblowers or employees asserting their rights need to be held accountable.
If you’ve faced retaliation, you might be entitled to:
- Back pay: Replace the income you’ve lost.
- Emotional damages: Get compensation for the stress and anxiety you’ve endured.
- Punitive damages: In cases of extreme wrongdoing, courts can award extra damages to send a message.
Don’t let your employer scare you into silence. Your voice matters, and so does your case.
Financial Stress After Being Fired? Let’s Fix That
Losing your job can be terrifying. Bills don’t stop, and savings only go so far. If your firing was unfair, you deserve compensation to help you get back on your feet.
Here’s what you could recover:
- Lost wages: Cover the income you’ve missed.
- Legal costs: Make sure you’re not footing the bill for seeking justice.
- Emotional distress damages: You shouldn’t have to carry the mental weight of what your employer did.
You’re not alone in this fight. We’ll help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Take Your Power Back: Reclaim Confidence After Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination can make you doubt yourself, but it doesn’t define you. Standing up for your rights is a powerful way to take back control and move forward.
We’ve seen it time and again: Clients walk into our office feeling defeated, and they walk out with their confidence restored. You can do this—and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Let’s Hold Them Accountable: Fighting Back Against Unfair Employers
If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, you don’t have to fight alone. At Horn Wright, LLP, we’re passionate about protecting workers like you. Let’s hold your employer accountable and help you rebuild your future.
Contact the Rochester wrongful termination attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, today for a FREE consultation.
What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?
Horn Wright, LLP is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
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We’re a client-centered, results-oriented firm. When you work with us, you can have confidence we’ll put your best interests at the forefront of your case – it’s that simple.
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No two cases are the same, and neither are their solutions. Our attorneys provide creative points of view to yield exemplary results.
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We have a team of trusted and respected attorneys to ensure your case is matched with the best attorney possible.
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The core of our legal practice is our commitment to obtaining justice for those who have been wronged and need a powerful voice.