The loss of a job is stressful. If you were fired, laid off, or otherwise discharged, it can put a lot of pressure on you and your family. You may be wondering: Can I get my job back if I was wrongfully terminated? In Connecticut, the answer is “it depends”—if you are able to bring a successful wrongful termination claim, reinstatement is one (of several) potential remedies. Here, our Connecticut wrongful termination lawyer discusses the key points to know about getting your job back as a remedy against an unlawful dismissal.

What is Wrongful Termination?

Connecticut is an at-will employment law state. The Connecticut General Assembly explains that employers have a general right to remove an employee for any reason—including a seemingly “unfair” or “unjustified reason. With that being said, employers cannot remove workers for illegal reasons. A wrongful termination in Connecticut is an illegal termination. It occurs when a worker is removed—fired, laid off, or otherwise let go—for an unlawful reason. The most common bases for wrongful termination lawsuits in Connecticut are:

Discrimination;
Retaliation; and
Breach of contract.

How to Prove Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination claims can be challenging. Employers often try to assert that they fired or laid off a worker for a legal reason—even when that is not the case. Proving liability in a wrongful termination claim involves demonstrating that your employer fired you for illegal reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract. To establish a strong case, you need to show that your dismissal violated federal law or state employment law or that it breached a legally valid employment contract. You must be prepared to establish a clear, convincing link between the illegal reason and your termination. A top-tier Connecticut wrongful termination lawyer can help.

An Overview of Evidence that Can Be Used to Prove Wrongful Termination

Evidence helps to form the foundation of a successful employment law claim. Wrongful termination cases are certainly no exception to the rule. Indeed, gathering solid evidence to support a wrongful termination claim is one of the most important steps to take after being let go. Here is an overview of some of the most common types of evidence that can be used in wrongful termination cases:

Employment Contract: If you have one, the contract is a document that outlines the terms and conditions of your employment. Any deviation from these terms is relevant.
Performance Reviews and Records: Positive performance evaluations contradict claims of poor performance as a reason for termination.
Company Policies: These materials detail the procedures for discipline and termination. If your employer did not follow their own policies, it could suggest wrongful termination.
Emails and Correspondence: You should save all written communications. Anything that shows discriminatory remarks, harassment, or retaliation may be relevant.
Witness Statements: Colleagues who witnessed unfair treatment or can attest to the circumstances surrounding your termination can provide valuable testimonies.
Timeline of Events: A detailed chronology of incidents leading up to your termination can help establish a pattern of behavior by the employer that supports your claim.

Ultimately, every wrongful termination claim in Connecticut should be carefully investigated to determine what exactly happened. You need to be prepared to gather evidence that shows that your dismissal was—for one or more reasons—motivated by illegal reasoning.

Reinstatement is a Potential Remedy in a Wrongful Termination Claim in Connecticut

Referring back to the original question: Can you get your job back through a wrongful termination claim? In Connecticut, the answer is “yes”—reinstatement is a potential remedy.

Broadly speaking, reinstatement involves the employer restoring the employee to their former position—including the same duties, responsibilities, and compensation. Reinstatement aims to place the employee back in the position they would have occupied had the wrongful termination not occurred. Courts may order reinstatement when it is feasible and appropriate. In evaluating reinstatement as a remedy, a Connecticut court may consider factors like the work environment and the relationship between the employer and employee. Even if you bring a successful wrongful termination claim, reinstatement is not a guaranteed remedy.

Financial Compensation is an Additional (More Common) Remedy

As an employee who was subject to a wrongful dismissal in Connecticut, you may not even want to return to your previous employer. That is entirely reasonable and quite common—and it does not mean that you do not have a viable claim. Quite the contrary, financial compensation is a more common remedy in wrongful termination cases in Connecticut. It is a remedy that may include monetary awards that compensate the employee for losses suffered due to the unlawful termination. Compensation may cover:

Back pay for lost wages from the time of termination to the resolution of the case;
Front pay if reinstatement is not feasible; and
Compensation for loss of benefits, such as health insurance.

Beyond these more tangible economic damages, additional compensation may also be awarded through a wrongful termination claim. Indeed, in some cases, employees may also receive damages for emotional distress or even punitive damages if the employer’s conduct was especially egregious.

Wrongful Termination Cases are Complicated―You Need a Top Attorney

Losing your job can be incredibly stressful. It can put a serious burden on your family. You may have a wrongful termination claim against an employer. Getting your job back is one of several potential remedies. At Hayber, McKenna & Dinsmore, LLC, we put employees first. Our client testimonials and representative cases show how we can get results for workers who were subject to a wrongful termination. We will review your case, answer questions, and develop a personalized strategy.

Contact Our Connecticut Wrongful Termination Lawyer Today

At Hayber, McKenna & Dinsmore, LLC, our Connecticut wrongful termination attorney is always ready to put the rights of employees first. You do not have to take on the legal process alone. Have questions about wrongful termination remedies? We are here as a resource that you can trust. Reach out to us at (860) 522-8888 or contact us online for your fully private, no strings attached case review. Our firm represents workers in wrongful termination cases throughout Connecticut.