by Chris C

Created on: February 02, 2007   Last Updated: April 27, 2009

The hardest part of wrongful termination is actually proving it. Recently having this happen to me, I learned that dealing with it actually very difficult.

I was working for a major manufacturer of Fire Trucks and Ambulances doing aluminum welding on a large scale basis. I was terminated because I informed my supervisor that I wasn't happy with the way things were done and I was looking for another job. Well, I guess the owners of the company didn't like the fact that I had criticized their way of doing things. Less than 30 minutes after I talked to my boss, I was informed I had to leave.

I guess the first step you should take is to go file for unemployment. Even if you don't receive it, it will force the company to take a stand and explain to the unemployment agency why you were terminated. These records could come in handy later if you should decide to file a formal complaint. Or, like in my case, you can be granted unemployment and move on from there and not worry about it. The fact that the company had to defend their decision and still lost their appeal was enough for me. Apparently the reason I was terminated was not good enough to deny my claim, no matter what spin the company put on it.

Should you decide to file a formal complaint, be sure to request all pertinent information from the unemployment agencies involved. These records will show how exactly the company explained your termination.

Once the lawsuit is filed, let your lawyers do the rest. Resist the urge to call or go to the company and make trouble. This will only hurt your case even though your ego may feel better after doing it. I feel it's best to just move on, find a new job and be done with it. In my case, it gave me the opportunity to return to a previous company I had worked for, even though I have to move back to the city where they are located. Luckily I have an understanding wife and kids who are ready to go.

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