If you have recently been fired from your job, there is a possibility that it may have been illegal under Florida state law. You should consider whether any of the following happened to you either leading up to your dismissal or in the way you were dismissed.
Firstly did your supervisors or managers ever make comments to you that indicated any form of discrimination? They may have made racist or sexist jokes, or commented about your age or any disability you may suffer from. They may have made remarks about your religion. All of these could be evidence of discrimination which is illegal under Florida law.
Secondly you have to consider whether anyone else was dismissed at the same time? If all of those dismissed were women, or were all a different race from the rest of the workers there may also be a case for discrimination but it would have to be proved that it was the discrimination which was the deciding factor for the dismissal.
The next factor to think about is why you were actually fired. Had you just made a complaint against your employer? This may lead to a whistleblower claim. Or were you fired after taking protected action such as making a worker’s compensation claim, taking medical leave, performing jury duty or refusing to take part in an illegal activity? All of these could provide you with a retaliation claim against your ex employer.
And once you have left and you are looking for another job, if your references appear to be bad and your ex employer is giving false information about you then you might be able to sue for defamation.
Finally, if nothing illegal has happened, and your employer wants you to sign a severance agreement, and offers you money to sign, it is always wise to review it with an attorney before signing anything. It is almost certain your employer will have an attorney, therefore it is in your own best interests to have your own as well.
