If you are wondering what kinds of paperwork you’ll need to give your wrongful termination lawyer, the answer is easy: all of it. It is better to include too much information than not to have enough.
For your wrongful termination lawsuit to succeed, you must have proof that a violation took place. It is not enough to accuse the employer of wrongdoing.
For instance, the lawyer will likely ask to see any contracts you and your employer may have signed, as well as the initial job advertisement or description of expectations. That way, the lawyer can make a connection between your allegations and the actual events that occurred.
If possible, it is a good idea to provide your wrongful termination lawyer with your complete personnel file. This is a comprehensive record of your employment that is typically held by your employer.
It is important to note that federal law does not require employers to provide employees with access to these files. However, some states may have laws in place regarding this issue.
Additionally, you may need to sit down with the wrongful termination attorney and clearly describe – in detail – all the events that took place and when each event occurred. Establishing a timeline is vital. Provide any and all dated documents that can help back up your claims.
When you suspect wrongful termination, you can file a claim without an attorney. However, doing so is not always advisable.
A skilled attorney understands all the relevant local, state, and federal employment laws. Additionally, attorneys have legal powers that the average person does not have.
For instance, you can ask your employer for certain types of paperwork and documents, but you cannot always force the employer to provide it. Your wrongful termination lawyer may be able to formally and legally request documents from your employer that the employer is unwilling to provide to you directly.
Attorneys may also have knowledge of various types of employment documents that you do not know even exist, which can further help your case.
For those reasons, you are more likely to win a wrongful termination lawsuit with a skilled lawyer representing you.
However, keep in mind that hiring an attorney almost always comes with a price tag. Before you hire a lawyer, make sure you understand all the charges and fees associated with the firm. Also, if you win your case, most law firms take a percentage of your winnings in exchange for working on your behalf.