What are the types of damages available in a wrongful termination case?

In North Carolina, if a person has been wrongfully terminated from their job, they can be eligible to receive damages. Generally speaking, damages in a wrongful termination case are divided into three main types: compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. Compensatory damages are the most common type of damages awarded in a wrongful termination case. They are designed to make the wrongfully terminated employee “whole” again by compensating them for the wages they lost due to their wrongful termination. This can include back pay, front pay, and lost benefits. Additionally, compensatory damages can also cover any emotional distress that the wrongfully terminated employee experienced. Punitive damages, on the other hand, are used to punish the employer for their wrongful behavior and to discourage other employers from engaging in similar behavior. Punitive damages are rarely awarded in wrongful termination cases in North Carolina, as they only apply in cases where the employer’s behavior is particularly egregious. Lastly, an employee who has been wrongfully terminated can also be awarded attorney fees. This means that the costs of hiring an attorney to pursue the wrongful termination case can be paid by the employer or their insurance company. In conclusion, the damages available in a wrongful termination case in North Carolina are compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees. Compensatory damages compensate the wrongfully terminated employee for the wages they lost, while punitive damages punish the employer for their wrongful behavior. Attorney fees can also be awarded, so that the employee does not have to cover the cost of hiring an attorney.

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