Ten Steps to Take if You Are Fired or Laid Off

At the Armstrong Law Firm, in San Francisco, California, we assist employees with all types of employment law claims and fight to protect their rights under California and federal law.

If you've been fired or laid off, we can help you negotiate a severance package or explain your rights as an employee in a layoff. If you have been harmed by discrimination or other illegal employment practices, we will help you obtain the justice you deserve.

For a confidential consultation with an experienced employment law attorney, call 415-692-0462 or 866-590-6082, or contact us online.

Ten Steps to Take if You Are Fired or Laid Off

1. Do not send any letters, e-mails or voicemails to anyone associated with your employer no matter how upset you are.
2. Obtain a DFEH Right to Sue letter before it's too late.
3. Draft a chronology of the history of your employment and all the details related to your termination and why it was wrong. We can provide you with a sample chronology.
4. Locate and assemble all the documents you have related to your employment and termination.
5. Make a list of potential witnesses who can support your claims, what they witnessed, and their contact information.
6. If you are experiencing emotional distress, anxiety and/or depression, contact your doctor to discuss treatment and obtain a referral to a psychologist for counseling sessions.
7. Request a COBRA packet to meet the deadline as the employer may be responsible for paying up to 65% of the cost if you were terminated within the designated timeframe.
8. Make a list of all of the benefits you were receiving from the employer, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life, 401k, company shares and stock options.
9. Locate your most recent W-2 and payroll stub.
10. Contact the Armstrong Law Firm as soon as you can.