Have You Been Wrongfully Terminated? Important Questions To Ask When Hiring A Wrongful Termination Lawyer
Posted on: 2 April 2018
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Different states have different laws regarding why an employee can be terminated. However, every state also has laws that protect employees from being terminated due to discrimination, disability and retaliation. If you feel you have been illegally terminated from your job, you may be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit against your employer. A lawyer can help you with the case. Most people have never hired this type of lawyer before and have no idea what to look for in one. Here are a few important questions to ask as you contact wrongful termination lawyers.
What Is Your Experience With Similar Cases?
One of the first questions you should ask a lawyer is what their experience is with wrongful termination cases that are similar to yours. If your case involves retaliation or harassment, you want a lawyer who has experience with those types of wrongful termination claims. If your claim involves termination due to a disability, you need a lawyer who has tried those types of claims. Always ask what their experience is with cases like yours, rather than with wrongful termination cases as a whole, to make sure they have the experience to handle your case.
What Is Your Track Record With Wrongful Termination Cases?
Another important question to ask a wrongful termination lawyer what their track record is for wrongful termination cases. In addition to hearing how many cases they have won and lost, you should ask what percentage of their cases they have settled and what percentage have gone to trial. If you are in a hurry to get the case over with, you may want to settle, rather than take it to trial. If this is the case, you want a lawyer who has a solid track record for negotiating cases and settling them out of court.
How and What Do You Charge for your Services?
The last question to ask a wrongful termination lawyer is how and what they charge for their services. Some wrongful termination lawyers charge a contingency fee. This means that they take a percentage of your settlement or award. You don't have to pay any money upfront, which is perfect for those who do not have a lot of money. Other lawyers charge by the hour. For these lawyers, you pay a retainer fee and then continue to pay their fee based on the services they provide. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. But asking this question allows you to find the lawyer who charges in a way that best fits your needs.
Most wrongful termination lawyers offer a free consultation. This is your opportunity to get to know the lawyer and for the lawyer to get to know you. As you look to hire a lawyer, take advantage of this consultation and use this time to ask questions of the lawyer to ensure this is the right lawyer for your case. Asking the above questions will help guide you toward the right wrongful termination lawyer for your case.