Understanding Wrongful Termination in Pennsylvania

June 25, 2024

Understanding Wrongful Termination in Pennsylvania

Wrongful termination is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on an individual's life and livelihood. In the state of Pennsylvania, there are specific laws and regulations in place to protect employees from being wrongfully terminated. At The Lovitz Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping the residents of Philadelphia navigate these complex legal issues and seek justice for any wrongful termination they may have experienced.


In Pennsylvania, wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for reasons that are illegal or violate public policy. This can include being terminated based on discrimination, retaliation, or for exercising their legal rights such as taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. It is important for employees to understand their rights and know when they may have a case for wrongful termination.


Discrimination is one of the most common reasons for wrongful termination in Pennsylvania. Employers are prohibited from firing employees based on factors such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. If an employee believes they were fired because of one of these protected characteristics, they may have a valid claim for wrongful termination.


Retaliation is another common form of wrongful termination in Pennsylvania. This occurs when an employer fires an employee in response to them engaging in protected activities such as filing a complaint about discrimination or harassment, reporting illegal conduct within the company, or participating in a union organizing effort. It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for exercising their legal rights.


Employees also have protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) which allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain medical and family reasons. If an employee is terminated shortly after taking FMLA leave or requesting FMLA leave, they may have a claim for wrongful termination. Employers are prohibited from firing employees in retaliation for taking FMLA leave.


Wrongful termination is a serious issue that can have lasting consequences on an individual's career and financial stability. In Pennsylvania, there are laws in place to protect employees from being wrongfully terminated based on discrimination, retaliation, or exercising their legal rights such as taking FMLA leave. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, it is important to seek legal guidance from experienced employment attorneys like those at The Lovitz Law Firm who can help you understand your rights and options moving forward. Don't hesitate to reach out if you believe you have been unfairly dismissed from your job – we are here to help fight for justice on your behalf.

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When it comes to losing a job, the reality is that it can happen to anyone at any time. It's a natural and common occurrence. However, it can be an incredibly stressful and daunting experience. It can also make you face some difficult challenges and choices, including deciding how to handle your severance package. That's where an attorney can come in to help you navigate and negotiate for the best possible deal. In this blog post, we will explain how an attorney can help you negotiate your severance package in Pennsylvania, and how they decide on the appropriate amount for you. To start, it's essential to understand what a severance package is and what you're entitled to. In Pennsylvania, there's no legal requirement for employers to provide employees with severance pay. So, if you're offered one, it's an entirely voluntary agreement between you and your employer. In other words, you can negotiate the terms of the agreement. However, it's not always easy to determine what you're entitled to and what you should ask for. An attorney can help you understand the terms of the severance agreement, including the amount and length of the payment, stock options, retirement benefits, and health care coverage. An attorney can also review the severance agreement and spot any potential red flags or unfair clauses. For example, they can ensure that you're not waiving any of your legal rights or that the severance agreement is not vague. Having an attorney review the document is crucial to avoiding any illegal or unethical traps and negotiating the best possible terms for you. Negotiating severance packages is not always straightforward. It involves vigorous negotiations, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of employment laws. An attorney can help you aggressively negotiate for the best possible outcome and communicate with your employer on your behalf. They can also represent you in any mediation or arbitration meetings that may arise. The appropriate amount for a severance agreement varies from person to person. An attorney can help you determine the amount that's appropriate for your particular case. They will consider a range of factors, including your job title, tenure, age, and the current job market trends, among others. They can provide you with valuable legal advice on how to leverage your skills, strengths, and weaknesses to get the best possible deal. Dealing with job loss and severance agreements can be stressful and overwhelming. But with an attorney on your side, you can have the peace of mind that you're protected and you're getting the best possible deal. At Lovitz Law Firm, we're dedicated to helping Pennsylvania residents with employment law services, including severance package negotiations. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on securing your financial future.

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