So, You’ve Been Dismissed

So, you’ve been dismissed from a job, and suddenly, you find yourself in unfamiliar terrain. Understanding the jargon and legal intricacies of employment termination is crucial. This article simplifies some of the important concepts for you, starting with the fundamental idea of “dismissal.” We’ll explore “just cause” vs. “without cause” dismissals, delve into “wrongful dismissal,” and provide practical steps for you to consider.

Dismissed (from a Job) Meaning

Dismissed, in the context of employment, means the termination of an employee’s job by their employer. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including performance issues, violation of company policies, downsizing, restructuring, or other legitimate grounds. When an employee is dismissed, they are no longer considered an employee of the company, and their employment relationship is terminated.

Distinguishing Between Dismissed for Just Cause and Dismissed Without Cause

Distinguishing between being “dismissed for just cause” and “dismissed without cause” is not merely a matter of semantics. It’s a distinction that can dictate your outcomes, entitlements, and the steps you might need to take. Understanding this difference is crucial as it sets the course for your next steps.

Dismissed for Just Cause: When an employee is dismissed for just cause, it means they are terminated due to significant misconduct or actions that fundamentally breach their employment contract. Examples of just cause may include theft, fraud, harassment, or repeated insubordination. In such cases, the employer may not be required to provide notice or severance pay.

Dismissed Without Cause: In contrast, being dismissed without cause means the employee is let go for reasons that are not related to their conduct but may involve factors such as organizational changes, economic circumstances, or a restructuring of the company. In these situations, the employer is typically required to provide notice or severance pay to the terminated employee, as it’s not the result of their misconduct.

Wrongfully Dismissed

Wrongful dismissal occurs when an employee is terminated without just cause and without adequate notice or severance pay, as required by employment law or the employment contract. It’s essential to recognize that even when dismissed without cause, employees are entitled to reasonable notice or compensation, and wrongful dismissal claims can arise when this is not provided. Wrongful dismissal can lead to legal action to seek compensation for the employee’s lost wages.

Contact Achkar Law today to schedule a consultation with our Experienced Employment Lawyers

Contact us by phone toll-free at 1-800-771-7882 or email us at [email protected], and we will be happy to assist.

Don’t Panic

Before making any hasty decisions, it’s essential to consult with an employment lawyer. Rushing to sign anything may limit your options later. Even if you eventually accept the initial offer from your employer, it’s wise to speak with a lawyer first to ensure it aligns with your legal entitlements. Many employees aren’t aware that they might be entitled to more than what’s initially offered when they are dismissed.

You have the right to take the time you need to review documents and offers without feeling pressured to sign immediately.

Selecting Your Employment Lawyer

When it comes to choosing the right employment lawyer, a few key considerations can make all the difference. Begin by seeking recommendations from trusted sources, such as friends, family, or colleagues who have had positive experiences with employment lawyers. Additionally, reading client reviews can provide valuable insights into a lawyer’s reputation and their ability to deliver results. Take the time to research the lawyer’s background, including their area of practice and track record in employment law cases. Beyond that, consider their communication style, cost structure, and the comfort of your working relationship.

Gathering Necessary Documents

As soon as possible, collect all documents related to your employment. This step will help your employment lawyer better understand your situation and expedite the process. Documents like your employment contract, paystubs, T4s, records of employment, relevant medical notes, warning letters, correspondence, and your termination letter are crucial for your lawyer’s assessment.

Preparing your Account of Events

Even before consulting with your lawyer, it’s beneficial to create a written account of events. Include key details such as who, what, when, where, how, and why these events occurred.

It’s important to maintain accuracy. For instance, if you received warnings, include this information and provide specific details about the warnings. Your lawyer needs to know all the relevant facts, even if they are not in your favor, to assess their impact and handle any potential issues.

Communicating with Your Lawyer

It’s crucial for clients to have a clear understanding of the legal advice and information their lawyer provides. A good lawyer will explain complex legal matters in a simple and straightforward manner, enabling their clients to make informed choices. If at any point you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification. Your lawyer is there to guide you and ensure you grasp the implications of your decisions, so open and honest communication is key to a successful lawyer-client relationship.

Your lawyer is your advocate and legal guide, but it’s essential to understand that they can only take actions that you request. Lawyers are bound by your instructions and must act in your best interests based on your preferences. Effective communication with your lawyer is critical to a successful legal process.

If you have specific instructions or preferences, make sure to communicate them to your lawyer. Additionally, promptly respond with your comments, directions, or clarifications on the facts of your case. The quicker you provide this information, the faster your lawyer can make progress on your case.

Once you’ve hired legal representation, it’s crucial to route all communication with the other party through your lawyer. Directly engaging with the opposing side can complicate negotiations and may lead to unnecessary difficulties. If the other party contacts you directly, instruct them to speak with your lawyer and promptly inform your lawyer about the communication.

Managing Your Expectations

Setting expectations is important, but they should be realistic. While you may have heard about cases where individuals were awarded substantial sums after being dismissed, your situation may differ. A lawyer can provide information about the typical types and ranges of damages awarded in cases like yours and the factors that influence these damages. Sometimes, it’s necessary to adjust your expectations based on the unique circumstances of your case.

Contact Achkar Law

If you are an employee who has been recently been dismissed, our team of experienced employment lawyers at Achkar Law would be happy to answer any questions you might having regarding your legal entitlements and any other concerns you may have.