What to Do If You've Been Wrongfully Terminated or Discriminated Against at Work in New York
If you've just been terminated or presented with a severance agreement, don't sign anything until you consult with an attorney. Deadlines matter.
iKey Facts About Wrongful Termination & Discrimination in New York
- Free consultation with experienced NY employment attorneys
- Strict deadlines apply - don't wait to understand your rights
- $800M+ recovered for clients across New York State
- 24/7 availability for emergency legal situations
Understanding Wrongful Termination & Discrimination
Despite strong employment protections in New York, workplace discrimination and wrongful termination remain widespread. Employees are fired for reporting safety violations, taking medical leave, or simply because of their race, gender, age, religion, or disability. New York has some of the strongest employee protection laws in the country, but many workers don't know their rights or are afraid to assert them.
Warning Signs You Need Legal Help
- Sudden negative performance reviews after years of good reviews
- Being treated differently than coworkers in similar situations
- Comments about your age, race, gender, pregnancy, or disability
- Retaliation after reporting harassment or discrimination
- Being pressured to sign documents immediately without time to review
Immediate Steps to Take
Do not sign anything (severance, release, resignation) without legal review
Request your personnel file and copies of performance reviews
Document everything: save emails, texts, and notes about incidents
Identify witnesses who saw discrimination or heard inappropriate comments
Apply for unemployment benefits—being fired doesn't always disqualify you
Consult with an employment attorney before the filing deadlines expire
Legal Consequences if Not Addressed
- Loss of income and benefits during unemployment
- Difficulty finding new employment with a termination on your record
- Loss of health insurance for you and your family
- Emotional distress and damage to professional reputation
- Ongoing discrimination if you don't take action
New York Deadlines & Filing Requirements
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your legal claims:
EEOC Complaint (Federal)
For federal discrimination claims (Title VII, ADA, ADEA), you must file with the EEOC within 300 days of the discriminatory act in New York.
NY State Human Rights Law
For state discrimination claims, you have 3 years to file a complaint with the NY Division of Human Rights or in court.
NYC Human Rights Law
New York City has the strongest protections. You have 3 years to file with the NYC Commission on Human Rights or in court.
Retaliation Claims
If you were fired for whistleblowing, OSHA complaints, or reporting violations, various deadlines apply depending on the specific law—some as short as 30 days.
DIY vs. Hiring a Employment Attorney
Risks of Handling This Yourself
- Strict filing deadlines with EEOC and NYS Division of Human Rights
- Companies have experienced HR departments and lawyers
- You may not recognize all forms of discrimination or retaliation
- Severance agreements often waive your rights if signed without review
- Evidence can disappear if you don't act quickly to preserve it
Benefits of Professional Representation
- We evaluate whether you have valid claims under federal and NY law
- We file timely complaints with appropriate agencies
- We negotiate severance packages that protect your interests
- We gather evidence and build strong cases for maximum recovery
- We represent you in mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings
How NY Lawyers Team Helps
Evaluate your termination for potential legal claims
Review and negotiate severance agreements before you sign
File complaints with EEOC, NYS DHR, and/or NYC CHR
Gather evidence including emails, performance reviews, and witness statements
Represent you in negotiations, mediation, and litigation
Fight for compensation including back pay, front pay, and emotional distress damages
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York an 'at-will' employment state?▼
What is considered discrimination under New York law?▼
Can I sue for hostile work environment in New York?▼
What damages can I recover in an employment discrimination case?▼
Should I sign a severance agreement?▼
Why New Yorkers Trust NY Lawyers Team
*For qualifying personal injury cases
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Don't Face Wrongful Termination & Discrimination Alone
Contact NY Lawyers Team today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help you navigate this challenging situation.