| If you have been fired from your job for no | | | | immediately, and do not waive expected benefits. |
| apparent reason, a wrongful termination attorney | | | | Other benefits may also be available to you as a |
| might be able to help you get your claims. An | | | | former employee. |
| attorney can help you assess the situation and | | | | You may inquire about the following benefits:o |
| decide which options to take. You can take either | | | | Bonus - If you are entitled to receive a bonus at |
| a severance package or a wrongful termination | | | | the end of the year, ask for it now. If the |
| claim, depending on your situation. | | | | employer refuses to pay, insist that your |
| If taking a severance package is your choice, | | | | termination has deprived you of the chance to |
| here are a few tips before getting into the | | | | receive it.o Pension and Profit-Sharing Benefits - |
| negotiations:o Stay calm after your terminationo | | | | Be aware of all plans, funds and programs that |
| Think over offers from your employero Confirm | | | | may have been established in your behalf. Ask |
| about your employer's terms in writingo Insist on | | | | about the details of these benefits. Ask your |
| being terminated, not resignedo Keep on the | | | | lawyer about your benefit rights if you have just |
| payroll as long as possibleo Negotiate for | | | | been fired before the vesting of a pension or |
| continued medical coverage despite receiving | | | | stock options. |
| severance payo Ensure that severance package | | | | After you have negotiated for your severance |
| is not contingent on new employment | | | | package and you feel satisfied with your other |
| An employer has no obligation to give severance | | | | options and benefits, you can now decide on |
| package to employees. However, if you are in a | | | | whether to accept the company's final offer or |
| position to negotiate for a severance package, | | | | ask your lawyer to obtain additional compensation. |
| try asking for other benefits like:o Health | | | | Legal Issues |
| insurance benefitso Unemployment compensationo | | | | There are legal issues involved if you have been |
| Outplacement serviceso Reference | | | | terminated. Is your termination lawful or illegal? |
| Here are important negotiating points in order to | | | | What are the possible causes of your |
| obtain a better severance package:o Request for | | | | termination? What are the conditions you signed |
| a lump sum payment of your severance, not in | | | | before being employed? Are you still eligible to |
| installmentso Avoid accepting the employer's first | | | | receive certain benefits? What are the options |
| offer and negotiate further.o Try to negotiate for | | | | available to you now? |
| a four week's severanceo If you have relocated, | | | | If you believe you have been unjustly terminated |
| try to obtain relocation allowance.o Discuss | | | | from your job, it is best to take up the matter |
| accrued overtime, sick leave and vacation pay.o If | | | | with a lawyer. An employment lawyer who has |
| you were fired without notice, ask for two | | | | the skills and experience in handling wrongful |
| additional week salary for the lack of notice.o If | | | | termination cases can improve your chances of |
| payments are due, insist that you be paid | | | | getting the rightful claim after unjustly losing a job. |