How to Get Your Job Back After an Unlawful Termination

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Losing your job is hard. Losing your job illegally is even harder. If an employer has wrongfully terminated you, you’re likely dealing with stress, confusion, and the overwhelming question of how to make it right.

Unlawful TerminationAt Smithey Law Group, LLC, we understand the emotional and financial toll of an unlawful termination. Our wrongful termination attorneys can provide you with award-winning guidance on how to get your job back after being wrongfully terminated. We can also show you what legal options are available to help you rebuild your career and peace of mind.

Did Your Employer Have the Right to Terminate You?

Not every firing is illegal. Maryland is an at-will employment state, which means an employer can generally terminate an employee at any time for any reason—or no reason at all—unless that reason is unlawful. However, an illegal termination happens when a firing violates federal or state laws. Depending on your situation, you may assert your rights against an illegal termination and pursue remedies through a settlement or legal complaint.

How to Get Your Job Back After Being Wrongfully Terminated

Holding your employer accountable for an illegal firing takes loads of preparation and understanding of the law. More importantly, this is not something you have to do alone. As a leader in employment law, Smithey Law Group can build a strong case on your behalf and hold your employer accountable for its misconduct. Let’s look at the basic steps for winning reinstatement after a job loss.

Step 1: Know What an Unlawful Termination Is

Under Maryland and federal laws, unlawful terminations include those:

  • Based on race, color, religion, sex, age, military status, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability; and
  • That retaliate against an employee who asserted a right or fulfilled an obligation, such as reporting harassment, filing a wage complaint, or attending jury duty or military service.

If you suspect your employer crossed one of these lines, you may have a valid legal claim and grounds for getting your job back.

Step 2: Document What Happened

Before taking legal action, you should gather detailed evidence related to your termination. Start by collecting:

  • Correspondence that reveals your employer’s discriminatory or retaliatory intent,
  • All communication related to your termination,
  • Employee handbooks or human resources policies that you were expected to follow,
  • Photographs,
  • Copies of related internal complaints and their resolutions, 
  • Performance reviews or written commendations, and
  • Witness accounts of discriminatory or retaliatory actions.

The more you document, the stronger your argument becomes. Our lawyers have extensive experience identifying and obtaining the best evidence for your case.

Step 3: File an Administrative Complaint with a Federal or State Government Agency

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) may be your first official stops if you are the victim of wrongful termination. These agencies can investigate your claim and may take the following action: 

  • Pursue mediation, 
  • Order a legal remedy through agreements or an administrative hearing, or 
  • Permit you to file a civil lawsuit. 

Typically, you have 300 days to file a complaint (or charge) of misconduct with the EEOC or MCCR. During this phase, having legal guidance from an experienced employment attorney may be crucial. Our knowledgeable team can effectively frame your claim and help you avoid procedural pitfalls.

If your administrative complaint doesn’t lead to the outcome you hoped for, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer. However, you’ll need approval from a government agency before doing so. We can assist you in obtaining that approval.

Step 4: Seek Reinstatement and Other Legal Remedies

One of the most pressing concerns you might have is how to get your job back after being wrongfully terminated. Fortunately, reinstatement is a recognized legal remedy for unlawful termination. Under Maryland and federal laws, courts and administrative agencies can require an employer who acted wrongfully to rehire you to your job.

In addition to job reinstatement, other remedies available in a wrongful termination case can include:

  • Job reinstatement,
  • Back pay for lost wages,
  • Compensation for financial losses,
  • Front pay if reinstatement isn’t feasible,
  • Damages for emotional distress,
  • Punitive damages against an employer engaging in egregious conduct, and
  • Legal costs.

You have several options for recovering after a wrongful termination. Even if you don’t get your exact role back, a successful case can result in meaningful outcomes, including justice, compensation, and a new path forward.

Hire an Experienced Employment Attorney

Knowing how to get your job back after being wrongfully terminated is complex; it involves navigating overlapping state and federal laws, court procedures, agency timelines, and emotional stress.

At Smithey Law Group, we can be your trusted guide through that process. Our firm focuses exclusively on employment law, and we bring deep knowledge of Maryland statutes, federal rules, and real-world strategies.

When you work with us, you get:

  • Tailored legal strategies based on your situation,
  • Effective negotiation tactics for resolving your case without litigation,
  • Aggressive advocacy to protect your rights in court, and
  • Emotional support.

We don’t just fight for your job, we fight for your dignity, future, and peace of mind.

You Deserve Justice

No one should have to wonder how to get their job back after being illegally fired, especially when there are laws in place to protect employees. If an employer has violated your rights, you have options. You have power. Let Smithey Law Group stand by your side as you pursue what’s rightfully yours. We are award-winning advocates sought by the legal community and employees seeking employment-related guidance.

Contact us by phone or online today for a confidential consultation. Let’s talk about your rights, your options, and how to get your job back after being wrongfully terminated.

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