When you are terminated from a job, you may have the option of accepting or pursuing a severance package. However, depending on your circumstances, taking the severance may not actually be in your best interests. It is always wise to weigh your options with the help of an experienced attorney who understands how to fight for what is truly best for you, your career and your future.
It is possible that your employer is not required to offer you a severance package, depending on what kind of job you have. However, even if your employer does not have to offer one, it is possible to negotiate for some severance in some circumstances. However, either negotiating or accepting a severance package does usually preclude you from pursuing any further legal action against the employer for the termination.
Ultimately, you must determine whether you have strong case for filing a lawsuit, or if a sensible severance package is the best case scenario in your circumstances. Both have advantages and drawbacks, which an experienced attorney can help you weigh.
Regardless of which path you choose to pursue after a termination, if any, it is important to maintain your composure in the process. Your employer may goad you in some way or attempt to get the upper hand, and it is vital to your long-term success to stay as calm as possible in the moment and gather information to use later on.
With proper legal counsel, it is possible to determine whether a severance package is right for you. If you believe that your firing was unjust, or that you should have received a severance package, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced attorney who understands the law and how to fight for your rights as an employee.
Source: FindLaw, “Wrongful Termination Claims,” accessed May 12, 2017
