Employment law is designed to help protect workers from wrongful termination, including for reasons such as discrimination, retaliation after reporting unsafe conditions or filing complaints, whistleblowing, taking protected leave like FMLA, or breach of contract. If you have experienced wrongful termination in Berks County, filing a claim may help you recover damages and begin to move forward.
Document Everything Immediately
The strength of a wrongful termination case depends on the evidence you preserve soon after your firing. Gather important materials while they’re available, including:
- Your termination letter and any written communications about the discharge
- Performance reviews from the months and years before termination
- Emails, text messages, and voicemails relevant to the firing
- A written timeline of events leading up to the termination
- Names and contact information for witnesses and coworkers
- Copies of internal complaints you filed before being fired
- Pay stubs, benefits records, and your employment contract
File an Administrative Claim
Most wrongful termination claims start with an administrative charge filed with the right state or federal agency before you can go to court. Filing deadlines differ by claim type, and missing them can stop your claim permanently:
- Discrimination under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA): File with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) within 180 days of termination.
- Federal discrimination under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): File with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 300 days of termination.
- Whistleblower retaliation: File a Pennsylvania Whistleblower lawsuit within 180 days of the retaliatory action.
- Public policy wrongful discharge: File in the Pennsylvania state court within the applicable statute of limitations, which varies by claim type.
- Contract violation: File a civil lawsuit within the limitations period that applies to your specific contract claim.
What You May Recover in a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit?
Available damages depend on your claim’s legal basis and facts. Plaintiffs may recover compensation for economic and emotional harm caused by an unlawful firing, such as:
- Back pay for wages lost since the termination
- Front pay for future earnings you would have received
- Compensatory damages for emotional distress and reputational harm
- Punitive damages in cases of willful or malicious employer conduct
- Reinstatement to your former position
- Attorney’s fees and litigation costs
- Injunctive relief requiring policy changes from the employer
To get full compensation from your claim, evaluate every possible damages category. Seeking only one type of relief can leave significant compensation unrecovered.
Defending Against Wrongful Termination Claims
Employers in Berks County often strongly contest wrongful termination claims, using pretexts and aggressive legal tactics to defend themselves. Mansour Law, LLC investigates the real reasons behind your firing, challenges the employer’s explanations, and pursues maximum compensation by negotiation or trial.
For assistance with your wrongful termination matter, call 610-321-3538 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Berks County wrongful termination lawyers. Take the first step in protecting your rights by reaching out today.
