Ann Arbor Wrongful Termination Lawyer Challenging Unlawful Dismissals
Losing your job can be devastating, more so when the firing feels unfair. While Michigan is an “at-will” employment state, your employer cannot terminate you for an illegal reason.
At my firm, Emily Tyler Law, I help Michigan employees determine if their firing or layoff was a violation of state or federal employment law. Then, I provide the advocacy needed to seek justice.
With almost two decades of experience as an employment law attorney, I know the signs of wrongful dismissal that many companies try to hide. I use this insight to help you reclaim your professional standing after an unlawful discharge.
What Makes A Wrongful Termination Case In Michigan?
A case exists whenever an employer crosses the line from a personality clash or budget cut into illegal conduct. Common grounds for a claim include:
- Discrimination: Facing a discharge based on your race, gender, age, disability, religion or another protected characteristic
- Retaliation: Being laid off or terminated specifically because you reported illegal activity, filed a workers’ compensation claim or complained about discrimination or harassment
- Breach of contract: Losing your position in a way that violates a written employment agreement or a specific “just cause” provision in your employment contract
- Certain public policy violations: Getting fired for refusing to break the law or for exercising a legal right, such as performing jury duty
Identifying the true motive behind your firing is the first step toward holding your employer accountable.
Observing Filing Deadlines And Seeking Compensation
Timing is vital. If your claim is based on discrimination, you may have as few as 300 days to file with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). For some state-level claims, such as a breach of contract, the window can extend up to six years. Because these deadlines can vary based on the specifics of your case, consulting an attorney immediately is important to safeguard your rights.
If you win your case, you may recover significant compensation, including:
- Back pay and front pay: Recovering lost wages from the time you were fired through the date of judgment, and sometimes future earnings
- Lost benefits: Receiving the value of lost health insurance, 401(k) contributions or stock options
- Emotional distress: Obtaining damages for the mental and physical toll of an illegal firing
- Attorney fees: Having the court order the employer to pay your lawyer and legal costs
Calculating the full financial impact of your discharge helps ensure that your claim accounts for both your immediate losses and your long-term career stability.
Protect Your Career And Your Livelihood
A wrongful termination can disrupt your life, but it does not have to define your professional future. I provide the high-level strategy and direct communication needed to challenge an unlawful discharge and hold your employer accountable if you were wrongly fired or laid off.
Call 888-610-8317 today or fill out my contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let’s work together to challenge your termination and restore your career.