Jacksonville’s Equal Employment Opportunity Ordinance

Jacksonville’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Ordinance prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, or disability. Employers with 15 or more employees are subject to this ordinance, which also protects employees from retaliation for asserting their rights under the law.

Evaluating Your Wrongful Termination Case

Determining the value of a wrongful termination case involves assessing various factors:

• Back Pay: Wages and benefits lost from the time of termination until resolution.

• Front Pay: Estimated future earnings lost due to the termination.

• Compensatory Damages: Compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other non-economic losses.

• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious misconduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the employer.

Each case is unique, and our attorneys can provide a thorough evaluation based on your specific circumstances.

What are the Three Most Important Aspects of a Discrimination Claim? 

Proving discrimination in the workplace can be a daunting challenge. Gone are the days of overt acts of prejudice; today, discrimination often manifests subtly and requires careful scrutiny of circumstantial evidence. Here are the three critical elements that can significantly impact the outcome of such cases:

Circumstantial Proof

Proving discrimination typically hinges on circumstantial evidence. In essence, it involves demonstrating that, considering all relevant circumstances, the termination was motivated by the employee’s membership in a protected category—such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or age. This demands meticulous documentation and analysis to construct a compelling argument that the termination was discriminatory in nature.

Patterns of Differential Treatment

Second, patterns are crucial. Identifying patterns of disparate treatment is crucial in substantiating a discrimination claim. Our attorneys diligently investigate and unearth instances where employees within the protected category have been treated differently from their counterparts outside that category. These patterns serve as compelling evidence to support the assertion of discrimination. Failure to uncover such differentials can jeopardize the case, potentially leading to dismissal at summary judgment.

Role of the Discriminator

The position of the individual responsible for discriminatory actions is pivotal. While coworkers may engage in harassing behavior, only supervisors hold the authority to terminate employees. Thus, it is imperative to establish that the termination decision was influenced by discriminatory motives originating from a supervisor. This distinction is essential in determining the viability of a discrimination claim and underscores the importance of thorough investigation and legal strategy.

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated due to discrimination, we urge you to take action. Contact us today for a free consultation and personalized legal advice tailored to your circumstances. Contact Cantrell Schuette, P.A. at 904-869-0992 or coordinator@caklegal.com to schedule your free consultation. Your rights matter, and we are here to help you fight for justice.

How Much is My Wrongful Termination Case Worth in Jacksonville, Florida? 

The answer is part math, part art. Determining the value of a wrongful termination case involves a combination of calculations and considerations unique to each situation. At Cantrell Schuette, P.A., our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of evaluating your case to pursue fair compensation.

The Math: Lost Wages

The first aspect to consider is lost wages. This typically encompasses two categories:

1. Back Pay: This includes lost wages and benefits from the time of termination up to the conclusion of the trial. For example, if an employee earning $50,000 annually, including benefits, was terminated on July 1, 2020, and the trial ends on July 1, 2022, their back pay would amount to $100,000. If the court awards front pay, the total lost wages could increase.
2. Front pay: This covers lost wages and benefits from the trial onward. For instance, if the court decides the employee is entitled to another year of front pay after trial, the total lost wages could rise accordingly.

However, it’s essential to note that the employee has a duty to mitigate their lost wages by seeking comparable employment. Any income earned from new employment could affect the final compensation awarded.

The Art: Compensatory Damages

The second aspect involves compensatory damages, which include factors such as emotional pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. Assigning values to these intangible losses can be subjective and requires careful consideration of various factors unique to each case.

Different people may place different values on these categories, making it crucial to have a skilled trial attorney who can effectively advocate for your interests and maximize the compensation you deserve.

Navigating a wrongful termination case can be complex, but you don’t have to face it alone. Contact Cantrell Schuette, P.A. today for a free consultation and personalized legal advice tailored to your situation. Call us at 904-869-0992 or email coordinator@caklegal.com to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced attorneys.

Why Choose Cantrell Schuette, P.A.

• Specialized Expertise: Our firm focuses exclusively on employment law, ensuring in-depth knowledge and experience in wrongful termination cases.

• Proven Track Record: We have successfully represented numerous clients in Jacksonville and throughout Florida, securing favorable outcomes in complex employment disputes.

• Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize our clients’ needs, providing personalized legal strategies and dedicated support throughout the legal process.

• Award Winning Attorneys: Our attorneys are award-winning, including most with “AV” rating by Martindale Hubbel  (a peer-reviewed rating) and honored by Super Lawyers (a peer-reviewed rating). Clients are regularly referred to us by other attorneys.

Contact Us

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, it’s crucial to seek legal advice promptly. Contact Cantrell Schuette, P.A. at 904-869-0992 or email coordinator@caklegal.com to schedule a consultation. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate your legal options and pursue the justice you deserve.