This is a guest post by Michaella.
As many people know, a job loss leads to financial strain and causes an emotional toll on the affected. Dedicating your time and effort to your employer only to be sent packing without a valid and legal strong does not go well with most people.
After an unfair dismissal, many people are left stranded and confused about what to do next. If you are reading this and have recently been unfairly dismissed, stick around to know what to do next.
Keep Calm
An unfair dismissal can arouse anger, bitterness and resentment. Even though it is not wrong to feel angry and bitter about your employee, it would be unwise to direct your emotions towards your now-former employer. After you have been sent packing, the first thing you need to do after you have been sent packing is to stay calm and positive.
Avoid making decisions based on your emotions during and after losing your job unfairly because your actions can come back to haunt you. Peacefully pack your belongings and exit the company premises. You have a long fight ahead, and there is no need to waste your energy causing unnecessary drama.
Seek an Explanation for Your Dismissal
Most of the time, employers do not provide a valid reason when unfairly dismissing employees. Therefore, it is important to request that your employer provides you with a valid reason for your dismissal. If the employer only provides you with a face value reason that is not satisfactory, it is a sign that there might be a deeper and illegal reason for your firing.
In Seattle, Washington State, it is illegal for an employer to fire an employee for reasons that border on retaliation, discrimination, harassment or breach of contract.
Collect Evidence
Now that the feeling that you were unfairly dismissed has grown stronger, it is essential you gather enough evidence to prove it. The success of a lawsuit related to wrongful termination depends on the quantity of evidence presented.
Because you will be facing off your employer, you need as much evidence as possible. Start by gathering emails, screenshots, statements from your former workmates, voice and video recordings, if any and any other documentation that favors your case.
File A Complaint with the Relevant Regulatory Agency
Various agencies have been established to handle different types of employment law complaints. These agencies are mandated and empowered to handle the complaints by investigating them and imposing administrative penalties. Regulatory agencies can also mediate between employer and employees to reach a settlement or help you file a court action against your employer.
File a Lawsuit with the Help of Your Attorney
If the regulatory agency fails to reach a settlement with your employer, your employment lawyer’s office should be your next stop. An employment attorney first looks at your evidence to evaluate if it is enough to build a strong case on or not. If satisfied with your evidence, your attorney helps you file a lawsuit against your employer and explains the best- and worst-case scenarios.
Conclusion
Unfair dismissal can make you feel lost and leave you confused.
However, if you know what to do during and after unfair dismissal, it will be easy to cope with the turn of events. During and after unfair dismissal, stay calm and do not let emotions get the better of you. Then seek an explanation for your dismissal.
If unsatisfied with the explanation, start gathering evidence before filing a lawsuit with the necessary regulatory agency or filing a court action.
Good luck!
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