Is my employer liable for any damages if I am wrongfully terminated?
In Washington, if you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, there may be some damages for which your employer is liable that you may be able to recover. Wrongful termination occurs when an employer takes an action that violates public policy or an employment contract, or when an employee is terminated for a reason that is prohibited by state or federal law. If you have been wrongfully terminated, you may be entitled to a variety of damages, including lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, and punitive damages. Lost wages and benefits are awarded to make up for the income and benefits you would have received had you not been wrongfully terminated. If you have suffered emotional distress due to the termination, you may also be able to recover damages for that. Finally, if the wrongful termination is found to be especially egregious, you may be able to ask for punitive damages, which are intended to punish the employer for its wrongful termination. In order to be successful in a wrongful termination lawsuit, you must show that the termination was illegal, and that you suffered an economic loss due to the termination. You should also be aware that some employers include arbitration clauses in their contracts that can limit the types of damages that can be sought. It is important to consult an attorney to get advice on how these clauses may affect your case.
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