WHAT CAN I DO IF I LOSE MY JOB?
Losing a job can be a traumatic experience. For many people it also can be very disorienting. Here are some of the
issues to consider if you experience a termination of employment.
First, determine whether you are eligible for unemployment benefits. In Florida you can visit this link to learn more
about unemployment, and you should also consider contacting an attorney if you feel you are entitled to benefits
but your employer is contesting them. Be wary of invitations to resign your position when, in reality, you are being
terminated, because this can affect your rights.
Second, promptly request COBRA health insurance benefits from your former employer in writing if you are relying
on them for health insurance. You can learn more about COBRA at this link, and you should also consider getting
advice from an attorney if there is any issue with your receiving continued coverage.
Third, if your former employer asks you to sign anything, or gives you any documents that limit potential claims
you may have against your former employer or imposes new obligations upon you, you should consider speaking
to an attorney to evaluate those documents and any potential rights you may have before signing such documents.
Fourth, evaluate whether you are owed any money by your former employer that they have not paid. You may be
entitled to recover such money under the Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA") or under applicable state law. You can
visit this link for more information about FSLA, and you should consider contacting an attorney to advise you of
your potential rights regarding unpaid wages or benefits. Also, you may have rights under the Family Medical
Leave Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Fifth, evaluate whether or not the reason for your termination was discriminatory or unlawfully retaliatory. You
can learn more about what is considered discrimination by visiting or contacting the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission or, if you live in Florida, the Florida Commission on Human Relations. You should also
consider meeting with an attorney to advise you whether you have a claim for discrimination or unlawful
retaliation. Be sure to do so quickly as claims that are not made promptly can become time barred.
Sixth, if you are a member of a union you should contact your union representative so that you can exercise your
rights under your collective bargaining agreement.
This article is intended for general information purposes only, and may not be relied upon as legal advice or
constituting at attorney-client relationship. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be
based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask Mr. Callison to send you free written information about
his qualifications and experience.
Orion G. Callison, III, Esq.
The Callison Law Firm P.A.
15476 NW 77th Ct.
# 611
Miami Lakes, FL 33016
(786) 506-4461
www.callisonlawfirm.com