Boston Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Massachusetts’ at-will employment laws allow employers to end employment relationships without cause, however, there are legal limitations that both parties must respect. Termination based on illegal reasons such as retaliation or discrimination against an employee in a protected class is strictly prohibited.

Every day, individuals on both sides of the employer-employee relationship encounter legal hurdles stemming from wrongful termination due to unlawful reasons. It is common for employers to believe that the “at-will” nature of employment provides them with unrestricted authority to terminate employees, while employees may also hold misconceptions about their termination rights.

As committed attorneys practicing in wrongful termination cases, we act as advocates for both employees and employers.

What Are the Criteria for Wrongful Termination?

In Massachusetts employers generally have the discretion to terminate employees for nearly any reason, or even without a specific reason, except for causes protected by law. In the state of Massachusetts, employees are safeguarded against termination based on:

Exposing an unlawful activity (commonly known as “whistleblowing”)
Lodging a worker’s compensation claim against the employer
Facing repercussions for participating in other legally-protected activities, such as taking leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Being age 40 or older
Gender-related considerations
Sexual orientation-based factors
Considerations related to gender identity
Pregnancy or the potential to become pregnant
Race-related circumstances
National origin or ancestry-related factors
Experiencing a physical or mental disability
Matters concerning religious beliefs

In the event an employee faces termination for any of these reasons, it could potentially qualify as a “wrongful termination” case. Our Boston-based attorneys specializing in wrongful termination for both employers and employees are available to provide guidance and assistance in such situations.

How Can a Boston Wrongful Termination Lawyer Help?

Wrongful Termination Lawyer for Employees:

If you believe you’ve been unfairly or unlawfully terminated, our Boston wrongful termination lawyers are here to support you. Our experienced wrongful termination attorneys will thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding your termination, evaluate relevant employment laws, and guide you on potential legal actions. We can assist you in collecting evidence, negotiating with your employer, and, if necessary, initiating legal proceedings to pursue compensation for damages resulting from wrongful termination. In challenging times, our dedicated team plays a crucial role in securing the financial compensation you deserve.

Wrongful Termination Lawyer for Employers:

Rudolph Friedmann’ Boston-based wrongful termination legal team provides services for employers facing termination-related challenges. Our team of wrongful termination attorneys is ready to offer valuable support by examining termination circumstances, assessing applicable employment laws, and providing guidance on potential legal courses of action. We can assist in navigating negotiations with employees and addressing legal proceedings, ensuring that you are well-represented in resolving issues related to wrongful termination.

What Actions Can You Take After Experiencing Wrongful Termination in Boston?

If you suspect your job termination was unlawful, Rudolph Friedmann LLP is here to assist. Our attorneys can evaluate your situation, gather evidence, and, if evidence of wrongful termination emerges, file an official claim to pursue justice and damages on your behalf.

Depending on whether state or federal laws are involved, a federal EEOC complaint or a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination may be necessary. It is strongly recommended to consult with an experienced Boston wrongful termination lawyer before and during such filing. Our lawyers can guide you through the process, exploring legal options, including filing a civil lawsuit against your employer. This legal action could potentially secure compensation for damages, encompassing front and back pay, attorney’s fees, emotional distress damages, and punitive damages.

Representative Cases on Behalf of Employers

Served as co-trial counsel and obtained a defense verdict after a four-day jury trial in Suffolk Superior Court for a group of national restaurants on all counts in a lawsuit involving wrongful termination and discrimination claims.
Obtained a dismissal of a whistleblower complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration claiming use of retaliatory employment practices in violation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Whistleblower Provisions.
Successfully defended employers before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from claims alleging discrimination and wrongful termination based on gender, race, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, religion and retaliation.

Representative Cases on Behalf of Employees

Collected unpaid wages, treble damages and attorney’s fees on behalf of an unpaid laborer in violation of the prevailing wage laws.
Represented an employee terminated by a Fortune 500 company the day after requesting medical leave, resulting in a favorable resolution for the employee’s claim filed with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.
Represented an employee constructively terminated for refusing sexual advances by her superior, resulting in a favorable resolution of the employee’s claim filed with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.
Obtained a $250,000 settlement against a national non-profit for wrongful termination in violation of public policy.
Obtained a $225,000 settlement against a major national bank for race discrimination.

To speak with an experienced wrongful termination attorney call Managing Partner Jim Rudolph at 617.723.7700 or contact us online.