St. Petersburg Wrongful Termination Attorneys
Facing wrongful termination in St. Petersburg? At Cantrell Schuette, P.A., our experienced employment attorneys are dedicated to advocating for employees who have been unjustly dismissed. We understand the complexities of employment law and are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process.
Award Winning Wrongful Termination Attorneys In St Petersburg, Florida
Understanding Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer unlawfully dismisses an employee, violating federal, state, or local laws. Common grounds for wrongful termination include:
Discrimination: Termination based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, or other protected characteristics.
Retaliation: Firing an employee for reporting illegal activities, filing complaints, or participating in investigations.
Breach of Contract: Dismissing an employee in violation of the terms outlined in an employment contract.
Violation of Public Policy: Terminating an employee for reasons that contravene established public policies, such as refusing to engage in illegal acts.
Constructive Discharge: Creating intolerable working conditions that compel an employee to resign.
Legal Protections Against Wrongful Termination
Employees in St. Petersburg are protected under various laws, including:
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Protects employees aged 40 and over from age-based discrimination.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and mandates reasonable accommodations.
Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA): Extends protections against discrimination to include marital status and other categories.
Pinellas County Human Rights Ordinance: Provides additional local protections against employment discrimination and retaliation.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Wrongful Termination
Document Everything: Keep records of communications, performance reviews, and any incidents leading up to your termination.
Consult an Attorney: Seek legal advice promptly to understand your rights and options.
File a Complaint: Depending on your case, you may need to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR).
Pursue Legal Action: If necessary, your attorney can help you file a lawsuit to seek compensation for damages.
Potential Compensation
Victims of wrongful termination may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
Back Pay: Wages lost from the time of termination to the present.
Front Pay: Estimated future earnings lost due to the termination.
Emotional Distress Damages: Compensation for mental anguish and emotional suffering.
Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious misconduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the employer.
Attorney’s Fees and Costs: Reimbursement for legal expenses incurred during the case.
I was terminated while on FMLA leave, what can I do?
FMLA Protections: Eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. During this period, employers must maintain group health insurance coverage under the same terms as if the employee had not taken leave.
Job Restoration: Upon return from FMLA leave, employees have the right to be reinstated to their original job or an equivalent position with the same pay, benefits, and other employment terms.
Eligibility Criteria:
Employed by a covered employer (private-sector employer with 50 or more employees, public agency, or public/private elementary or secondary school).
Worked for the employer for at least 12 months.
Accumulated at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12 months prior to the start of leave.
Work at a location where the employer has at least 50 employees within 75 miles.
Unlawful Termination: It is illegal for an employer to interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of FMLA rights, including terminating an employee for taking FMLA leave.
Lawful Termination: Employers may terminate an employee on FMLA leave if the termination is unrelated to the leave, such as for legitimate business reasons like company-wide layoffs or documented performance issues.
If you believe your termination during FMLA leave was unlawful, it’s important to consult with an employment law attorney to understand your rights and options.
Why Choose Cantrell Schuette, P.A.?
Specialized Expertise: Our firm focuses exclusively on employment law, ensuring in-depth knowledge and effective strategies for your case.
Proven Track Record: We have successfully represented numerous clients in wrongful termination cases throughout Florida.
Personalized Attention: We provide individualized legal counsel tailored to your unique circumstances.
Transparent Communication: We keep you informed and involved, ensuring clarity and confidence throughout your case.
Contact Cantrell Schuette, P.A.
Cantrell Schuette, P.A., located in St. Petersburg, Florida, specializes in employment law, including FMLA matters. If you find yourself terminated during FMLA leave, the firm can provide legal assistance and consultations to help you navigate through the complexities of your situation. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Contact Cantrell Schuette, P.A. to discuss your case with our knowledgeable employment attorneys.we invite you to contact us for a consultation at (727) 509-6555 or coordinator@caklegal.com.
