How to Win a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit in Ohio

By Coffman Legal, LLC | Posted on Jun 27, 2024

When it comes to pursuing a wrongful termination lawsuit in the wake of losing a job, you may find yourself left with questions and wondering if you have the grounds needed to qualify for a case. There are a number of ways in which being wrongfully terminated might happen and there are also numerous questions that can arise in the aftermath. With that in mind, we’re here to help you understand how to win a wrongful termination case in Ohio.

Losing your job can be especially stressful and adding in the additional factor of wrongful termination, your stress may only grow. Questions you might have can include what next steps you can take, and whether you can win a lawsuit for wrongful termination.

And that is where working with dedicated employment lawyers who have experience handling wrongful termination lawsuits can be especially helpful. Our employment lawyers explore a few questions below that address winning wrongful termination lawsuits in Ohio so you can be fully prepared.

Can You Win a Lawsuit for Wrongful Termination?

First off, you might be wondering “can you win a lawsuit for wrongful termination?”. The long and short answer to this question is yes, you can win a lawsuit with a claim that you were wrongfully fired. In the state of Ohio, employers do have broad discretion over how to handle their firing decisions.

But employers cannot fire employees for illegal reasons and some of the most common reasons that wrongfully fired lawsuits are filed in Ohio include:

• Retaliation
• Discrimination
• Whistleblower actions
• Breaches of an employment agreement

In terms of winning wrongful termination lawsuits, the process can be complex. But speaking with the experienced employment lawyers at Coffman Legal about your wrongful termination is an important step. Depending on the specifics of your situation, there may be a time limit to when you can file a complaint that you will want to be aware of as you start the process.

How Much Can I Win in a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit?

On the question of how much you can win in a wrongful termination lawsuit, the answer unfortunately is undeterminable. This is because the resulting compensation from winning wrongful termination lawsuits in Ohio will vary on a case-by-case basis.

However, there are some factors that may play into the potential compensation you could see after winning a wrongful termination lawsuit, such as compensatory damages relating to:

• Back and front pay
• Benefits
• Emotional distress

Other damages that you may see include punitive damages, attorney’s costs and fees, and declaratory judgment. The potential damages available depend on the type of claim you will be asserting, so it is important to discuss your rights with an experienced employment attorney.

How to Win a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit

There are steps you can take after what you believe to be a wrongful termination to help both yourself and your case. Simple steps to take in the aftermath of wrongful termination include:

1. Staying calm – Helps you think clearly and make strategic decisions
2. Saving letters, email, and other communications – Allows you to document the explanation for your termination and present important records when needed to help your case
3. Writing out the events as they happened – Helps preserve your memory of the firing and keeps key details in one place
4. Consulting with our wrongful termination lawyers – Gives you access to sound legal guidance to strengthen your case and cut through an employer’s argument

If you have more questions on how to win a wrongful termination lawsuit in Ohio, please be sure to reach out!

FAQs About How to Win a Wrongful Termination Case in Ohio

Below, we explore some of the most common questions individuals have when navigating winning a wrongful termination lawsuit in Ohio.

What qualifies for wrongful termination in Ohio?

As mentioned previously, if you were let go for reasons such as retaliation, discrimination, whistleblower actions, or a breach of an employment agreement, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim. These situations are exceptions to Ohio’s at-will employment laws and can form the basis for legal action.

Let’s take a deeper look at each:

• Retaliation – Being fired for reporting harassment, unsafe conditions, wage violations, or other protected concerns
• Discrimination – Termination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other legally protected characteristics
• Whistleblower actions – Job loss following your report of illegal or unethical behavior by your employer
• Breach of contract – Termination that goes against the terms of your employment agreement or established company policies

Understanding these scenarios fully is a key part of knowing how to win a wrongful termination case in Ohio.

What are the odds of winning a wrongful termination lawsuit?

The odds of winning a wrongful termination lawsuit in Ohio depends on several key factors, including:

• The strength of your evidence, such as documentation, emails, or witness statements
• The type of claim involved, whether it’s related to retaliation, discrimination, or breach of contract
• The jurisdiction where your case is filed, as some courts may be more favorable to employees than others
• Whether you have legal representation from an experienced employment attorney

Can I sue my employer for emotional distress in Ohio?

Yes, as stated previously, you may be able to sue your employer for emotional distress if your termination involved one of the qualifying factors for a wrongful termination lawsuit. Understanding whether emotional distress applies to your situation is an important part of knowing how to win a wrongful termination case in Ohio. To succeed, you’ll need to show that your employer’s actions were extreme, intentional, or reckless, and that they caused serious emotional harm.

Evidence such as medical records, therapist notes, or personal testimony can help support your claim.

Contact Coffman Legal for Your Wrongful Termination Lawsuit

Should you have further questions associated with winning a wrongful termination lawsuit or what to do if you believe you have been wrongfully fired, reach out to our team at Coffman Legal. You can contact our office to discuss your wrongful termination case with a free consultation today at 614-949-1181 or online.