Atlanta Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Cantrell Schuette, P.A. offers expert legal guidance and representation in wrongful termination cases in Atlanta, Georgia, ensuring your rights are protected and advocating for justice and fair compensation.
Understanding Wrongful Termination in Atlanta, Georgia
While at-will employment allows for broad termination rights, employers cannot fire employees for reasons that violate specific legal protections. Unlawful termination may occur if an employee is dismissed due to:
Discrimination: Termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information is prohibited under federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Retaliation: Employers cannot terminate employees for engaging in protected activities, such as filing a complaint about workplace discrimination or harassment, participating in an investigation, or whistleblowing.
Breach of Contract: If an employment contract specifies conditions under which termination can occur, and the employer violates these terms, it may constitute wrongful termination.
Violation of Public Policy: Firing an employee for reasons that contravene public policy, such as refusing to engage in illegal activities, can be grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
If you suspect you’ve been wrongfully terminated or are currently facing issues at work that could lead to dismissal, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Contact Cantrell Schuette, P.A. today at 404-474-7924 or coordinator@caklegal.com for a consultation. Let us help you take the first step towards reclaiming your rights and securing your future.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Wrongful Termination
Document Everything: Keep records of all relevant communications, performance reviews, and any incidents that may support your claim.
Request a Written Explanation: Ask your employer to provide a written statement outlining the reasons for your termination.
Consult an Attorney: An experienced wrongful termination attorney can evaluate your case, advise you on your rights, and guide you through the legal process.
Potential Remedies for Wrongful Termination
If your termination is found to be unlawful, you may be entitled to:
Reinstatement: Returning to your former position.
Back Pay: Compensation for lost wages and benefits.
Front Pay: Compensation for future lost earnings if reinstatement isn’t feasible.
Compensatory Damages: For emotional distress and other non-economic losses.
Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious employer misconduct.
Atlanta Local Laws on Wrongful Termination
Atlanta, as a progressive city, has taken steps to extend protections to its workforce. The City of Atlanta Code of Ordinances includes provisions that prohibit discrimination in employment, going beyond state protections. This includes protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, which are not explicitly covered under Georgia state law for private employers. Atlanta’s commitment to protecting workers within its jurisdiction means employees in the city may have additional grounds for claims of wrongful termination compared to those in other parts of the state.
Federal Laws Applicable to Atlanta, Georgia
Federal laws provide a broad base of protections against wrongful termination, applicable in Atlanta and across the United States. These include, but are not limited to:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which protects employees who are 40 years of age or older from discrimination.
- The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which, establishes minimum wage, overtime pay eligibility, recordkeeping, and child labor standards, protects employees from being terminated for exercising their rights under the Act.
These federal statutes ensure that employees in Atlanta have recourse in cases of wrongful termination that violate specific protected categories or rights.
Understanding your rights under the at-will employment doctrine, along with state, local, and federal laws, is crucial if you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated. If your dismissal was based on discriminatory reasons, in retaliation for exercising your legal rights, or in violation of a contract, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
If you’re facing a situation that may constitute wrongful termination, don’t navigate the complex legal landscape alone. Contact Cantrell Schuette, P.A. today at 404-474-7924 or coordinator@caklegal.com to schedule your consultation. Our experienced Atlanta wrongful termination attorneys specialize in employment law and are dedicated to defending your rights and pursuing justice on your behalf.
How Difficult Is It to Win a Wrongful Termination Case and What Is a Claim Worth in Atlanta, Georgia?
Navigating a wrongful termination case in Atlanta, Georgia, presents unique challenges and considerations. Understanding these complexities and what compensation might be available is crucial for setting realistic expectations.
Wrongful termination cases are inherently challenging due to the need to prove that the termination was illegal under federal, state, or local laws. The burden of proof lies with the plaintiff (the employee), who must demonstrate that the termination violated specific legal protections. Successfully challenging an employer’s stated reason for termination often requires detailed evidence and witness testimony to prove it was a pretext for illegal termination.
The value of a wrongful termination claim in Atlanta can vary widely based on several factors. Specific types of damages may include:
- Back Pay and Front Pay: Compensation for wages lost from the time of termination until the resolution of the case, and potentially future lost earnings.
- Benefits: Compensation for lost benefits, such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and other employment-related perks.
- Emotional Distress: In some cases, compensation for emotional pain and suffering resulting from the wrongful termination.
- Punitive Damages: Though less common, punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the employer’s conduct was particularly malicious or reckless.
Setting realistic expectations involves understanding the complexity of wrongful termination litigation and the variability in potential outcomes. We provide expert guidance by reviewing past damage awards or past settlements in similar cases which provide insights into the factors that contribute to successful claims and the range of possible compensation. However, each case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific circumstances and evidence.
Winning a wrongful termination case in Atlanta, Georgia, requires overcoming several challenges, from proving the illegality of the termination to accurately quantifying damages. The variability in case outcomes underscores the importance of expert legal representation.
Why Choose Cantrell Schuette, P.A.
At Cantrell Schuette, P.A., our Atlanta wrongful termination attorneys are dedicated to protecting employees’ rights. We understand the complexities of employment law and are committed to providing personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique situation.
If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, understanding your rights and the potential value of your claim is the first step towards justice. Contact Cantrell Schuette, P.A. at 404-474-7924 or coordinator@caklegal.com for a comprehensive evaluation of your case. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to advocating for your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your situation.
