1. They can call us at 203-899-3309;
all calls are promptly returned (in fact, most calls are answered
directly by Steve!) to discuss whether it looks like they
may "have a case" for being fired, or not.
2. They can fill out the
"Free Review" questionnaire
on this web page. We will promptly review such responses and
generally reply within a few hours as to the initial preliminary
assessment of the client's claims. In order to have his comments
on what to do after being discharged, please see "What
to do if you get fired" by clicking on that underlined
language.
3. A discharged worker's
claim, and his/her severance agreement, is then evaluated
in a personal meeting with Attorney Horner. Such meeting generally
lasts about an hour. If the client only wants a review of
the severance agreement, the meeting usually lasts about 30
to 45 minutes.
4. At the conclusion of an
evaluation meeting, the client is advised as to possible claims
regarding his/her being fired and as to his/her options on
proceeding forward due to such termination. We always recommend
that the client take a few days to consider the options before
deciding what to do if it appears that there has been a wrongful
termination.
5. If the client wants him
to try and negotiate an improved severance package due to
the wrongful termination, we will draft a letter to seek such
improvements and then sends the draft to the client for his/her
review before sending it to the company.
6. If mutually agreeable
severance terms can be reached, the revised severance agreement
is signed and the legal dispute over the wrongful termination
is ended. If not, the client decides (after Attorney Horner
gives his recommendation) on whether to proceed with his/her
wrongful termination claims to an administrative agency or
not.
7. Although every effort
is made to avoid filing a lawsuit in court, there are unfortunately
some cases that end up in court because mutually agreeable
severance contract terms are not reached and the client has
strong wrongful termination claims due to his/her being fired.
It is always the client's decision on whether to sue or not
regarding his/her being fired, after Attorney Horner recommends
that a lawsuit be commenced. Many termination cases don't
justify a lawsuit being filed due to legal and practical reasons.
Usually, mediation of disputes before an experienced, neutral
mediator is also offered to the company to see if a lawsuit
can be avoided.
