A Brief Guide to Severance Package Negotiations and Release Agreements
Grabowski Law Firm, PLLC works with many hard-working individuals who find themselves laid off, fired, terminated, having their position eliminated or simply out of a job. These situations can fall under a handful of “legal labels” from simple unfair post termination benefit and payment packages, to wrongful termination to potential discrimination lawsuits.
In many of these situations, employers will provide a severance package or agreement full of complicated legal terms limiting the former employee’s future rights. It is typically advised that the former employee seek out the advice of an attorney.
However, it can be difficult to gauge what type of attorney may be needed and what type of representation best fits your situation (ie full employment lawsuit vs. severance negotiations). Successful negotiations / employment lawsuits largely depend on a combination of potential leverage by the former employee and statutory remedies provided by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and North Carolina / Federal Law (ie Wage and Hour Act, Age Discrimination, Race, Sex, etc.).
For example, many of the matters Grabowski Law Firm, PLLC handles begin with the delivery of a demand letter to the employer stating the former employees legal position and desire to negotiate outside of expensive legal proceedings. We have found that employers are more willing to work with the former employee, while the former employee also saves time, money and stress over a prolonged legal battle.
Here are a few facts to consider as you decide the best avenue to proceed:
-What is your overall goal?
-Length of your employment?
-Do you believe your situation can be sufficiently remedied through negotiations and or settlement?
-Does the package seem to be in a range you’d be willing to accept?
-Do you believe you’ve been discriminated against? This may garner a more formal employment law matter.
-If you believe you have been discriminated against, do you fit into one of the classes?
DISCLAIMER: This blog is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice for your specific situation. Grabowski Law Firm, PLLC is able to provide consultations and representation in these matters.