Take Back Your Rights with Support from an Oklahoma Wrongful Termination Lawyer
The common belief is that as long as we work hard and stay productive, our job is secure. But that isn’t always the case. There are times when you’ll deal with employers who simply fire you, giving no rhyme or reason why.
If you’re a worker in Oklahoma who suspects your employer removed you for unfair reasons, consider filing a wrongful termination lawsuit.
At Punchwork Law, our Oklahoma wrongful termination law firm is ready to take your case. Our attorneys are experts in upholding Oklahoma employment law and have helped numerous employees defend their workers’ rights. We’re ready to push back against companies that have wrongfully terminated you.
To learn more about how to start the process of filing a wrongful termination claim, contact an Oklahoma wrongful termination attorney from Punchwork Law today.
Wrongful Termination Explained
Essentially, wrongful termination happens when you’re let go in a way that goes against state and federal laws, a written contract, or public policy. Generally, a legitimate termination can occur if you’re frequently late, break company rules, or if your job is cut during layoffs.
On the other hand, wrongful terminations can happen when firing crosses a legal line. For example:
- You’ve been fired soon after reporting discriminatory or sexual harassment in the workplace.
- You were let go once you had reached a certain age, despite your productivity.
- You filed a workers’ comp claim, but found your employer had let you go.
Often, wrongful terminations are tied to discrimination or retaliation, both serious legal issues that we’ll explore further below.
How “At-Will Employment” Plays into Wrongful Termination Law
In Oklahoma, we operate under what’s known as “at-will employment”. This means employers have the right to let you go for just about any reason — or even no reason at all — as long as they’re not breaking any laws. On the flip side, this means you also have the freedom to quit whenever you feel like it.
However, being “at-will” doesn’t give employers a free pass to discriminate, retaliate, or breach contracts. If you’re fired for an illegal reason, the employer has crossed a line that the at-will laws don’t protect.
A wrongful termination, even in an at-will context, could sound like:
- “You’re getting too old to keep up with the younger staff.”
- “You reported us to OSHA? That’s not going to fly here.”
Just because Oklahoma is an at-will state doesn’t mean your rights are thrown out the window. At Punchwork Law, we protect the rights of workers across Oklahoma, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve when facing a wrongful termination case.
Reach out to us today so you can hammer out the details with your wrongful termination lawyer.
Identifying a Wrongful Termination Case
Feeling uncertain about whether your firing was justified? Here are some red flags that could indicate you have a case:
- You were let go right after raising concerns about harassment, safety issues, wage theft, or discrimination.
- You suspect your termination was based on discrimination.
- You had a written or verbal agreement that guaranteed job security unless there were valid reasons for termination, and those reasons weren’t present.
- Your employer misrepresented the reasons for your dismissal to hide illegal motives.
If any of this resonates with you, it’s a good idea to consult with a seasoned Oklahoma wrongful termination lawyer.
“Discrimination” in Detail
Discrimination in the workplace refers to being treated unfairly for certain characteristics instead of your actual job performance or behavior. Some examples of this unfair treatment include being let go because of:
- Race
- Gender or sex
- Pregnancy
- Disability
- Religion
- National origin
- Age (especially 40 or older)
- Sexual orientation
If your termination was linked to any of these characteristics, it could potentially be considered wrongful termination.
Federal laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), protect employees from discrimination. The Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act provides similar safeguards.
And above all, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a key institution that protects your rights as a worker. Hire an Oklahoma discrimination lawyer from Punchwork Law, and we’ll help file your case with the EEOC, ensuring you get a “Right to Sue” response as soon as possible.
“Retaliation” in Detail
Workplace Retaliation occurs when your boss punishes you for standing up for your rights. In Oklahoma, it’s against the law for employers to fire you for:
- Reporting workplace discrimination or harassment
- Filing a complaint about wage violations
- Taking part in a workplace investigation
- Whistleblowing on illegal activities
- Taking protected medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Thanks to laws like Title VII, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and Oklahoma Whistleblower laws, you have every right to speak out without fear of repercussions.
If you lost your job standing up for what’s right, that’s retaliation — and it’s illegal. That’s why Punchwork Law is relentless when we fight for our wrongful termination clients.
Why You Should Hire an Oklahoma Wrongful Termination Attorney
When you find yourself wrongfully fired, it’s not just about losing a paycheck. You’re also losing your peace of mind, sense of security, and sometimes even your reputation. Trying to take on this battle alone? That’s a tough road to walk.
Here’s why having a skilled wrongful termination attorney from Punchwork Law in your corner is essential:
- Experience in Court: Our lawyers know the ins and outs of proving wrongful termination, gathering evidence, and anticipating what your employer might throw at you.
- Navigating the Process: An Oklahoma EEOC lawyer from Punchwork Law will help you through filing claims with agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Oklahoma’s Office of Civil Rights Enforcement, which requires expertise and an understanding of tight deadlines.
- Building a Strong Case: We’ll also take the time to collect documents, track down witnesses, and leverage the full power of the law on your behalf.
- Fighting for Justice: We’re committed to pursuing compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and sometimes even punitive damages.
At Punchwork Law, we take pride in standing up for Oklahoma’s workers. Our team is dedicated to fighting injustice, and we consider every client like family. When you choose Punchwork, you’re getting a team that:
- Works tirelessly to secure the compensation and closure you deserve.
- Cares deeply about your unique situation and guides you through every step of the process.
- Fights fiercely for your rights, no matter how formidable the opponent may be.
With Punchwork Law, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re gaining a dedicated team of advocates who believe in your case and won’t back down.
Fired For False Reasons? Talk to an Oklahoma Wrongful Termination Law Firm
Being wrongfully terminated isn’t just a matter of fairness — it’s against the law. If you think your dismissal was due to discrimination, retaliation, or a breach of your rights, don’t hesitate to take action.
At Punchwork Law, we’re dedicated to standing up for Oklahoma workers who have faced injustice. Our experienced team understands the laws, navigates the courts, and knows how to achieve results. If you’re ready to fight for the justice you deserve, give us a call today!
