As a Seattle employment attorney, I understand how frustrating and stressful an employment issue can be for anyone. However, it is especially difficult to see a veteran who was been wrongfully terminated after serving his country. According to KING 5 News, a war veteran is suing his former boss after he was let go from his job while he was on active military leave fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jerry Delay served a two year tour with the military and upon returning home, found he had been let go from his job with Ace Heating. The federal law protects those that serve in the military by guaranteeing active duty personnel the same job and pay rate as when they were deployed. The company claimed they had fallen on hard times and had to let Delay as well as ten other employees go. In 2007, Delay won his case and received a $540,000 settlement but is still waiting payment from the company that has since claimed bankruptcy and is currently seeking a more lenient amount.
Wrongful termination can be devastating due to loss of wages and financial security. Even though employers have the right to fire an employee for no apparent good reason, there are some instances that are considered illegal in the state of Washington. Some examples of this are being fired for refusal of illegal acts, fired for participating in a public duty, fired for demonstrating a legal right, and fired out of revenge.
If you believe you have been treated unfairly in the workplace and have questions concerning your case, then contact a professional Seattle employment lawyer to discuss your options and legal rights. Wrongful termination is difficult to determine and seeking an experienced employment attorney can help sort the multiple factors of your case. If you have an employment issue that needs legal representation, contact us today. For more information and a free consultation, call me at Premier Law Group at (206)285-1743.