You’ve poured years of effort into your job, navigating challenges and achieving goals, only to find yourself suddenly dismissed for deeply unjust reasons. Questions swirl: Was this legal? What can I do? Behind every wrongful termination lies a story of loss—and a potential path to recovery. Understanding the wrongful termination settlement process is your first step toward reclaiming control.
Keep reading to learn more about the process and how Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC, Phoenix’s most respected employment lawyers, can help you obtain justice.
What Is the Wrongful Termination Settlement Process?
At its core, the wrongful termination settlement process is a negotiation—a means to resolve your claim without going to trial. Settlements often begin with a demand letter, in which your attorney outlines the facts of your case, the laws your employer violated, and the compensation you seek. From there, your employer’s legal team may respond with a counteroffer or propose mediation.
Wrongful termination settlements involve gathering evidence, calculating damages, and negotiating terms. Damages can include lost wages, emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages to deter future misconduct. While many cases settle outside the courtroom, a firm with trial experience—like Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC—can leverage the threat of litigation to secure a fair resolution.
What Steps Are Involved in the Wrongful Termination Settlements Process?
Understanding the settlement process helps demystify the journey. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of our approach.
Step One: Initial Consultation
During this stage, we will evaluate your claim, identify applicable laws, and determine whether settlement or litigation is your best route. This step involves asking detailed questions about your termination and reviewing any documents you bring, such as employment contracts or termination letters.
Step Two: Filing a Complaint
Claims involving federal laws, such as the Civil Rights Act, require filing with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), while Arizona’s state-level claims may not need this. The complaint process can include interviews and written questionnaires to outline the basis of your claim. The EEOC will then investigate, which may involve speaking with your employer and reviewing employment records.
Step Three: Demand Letter
We will send your employer a formal letter detailing your case and requesting compensation. This letter will include a summary of events, applicable laws, and the damages you seek, such as lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress.
Step Four: Negotiations
Both sides exchange offers during this stage, which can involve multiple discussions. Shields Petitti & Zoldan’s trial readiness can also be a powerful leverage point, encouraging employers to settle rather than risk court.
Step Five: Settlement Agreement
If both parties agree to terms, they will sign a binding contract. This agreement typically waives your right to pursue further legal action in exchange for the agreed-upon compensation. We will meticulously review the agreement to ensure it protects your rights and reflects the negotiated terms.
Step Six: Litigation (If Necessary)
If negotiations stall, your case may proceed to trial. Our trial experience ensures you are well-prepared for this scenario. Litigation involves filing a formal lawsuit, pre-trial motions, discovery (gathering and exchanging evidence), and presenting your case before a judge or jury.
What Is the Average Wrongful Termination Settlement?
The concept of an average wrongful termination settlement is inherently fluid. Settlement amounts can range from a few thousand dollars to six-figure sums. These amounts depend on Arizona’s specific laws, such as those outlined in the Arizona Employment Protection Act, and numerous case-specific factors, from your evidence to your employer’s size and resources. A personalized consultation with one of our attorneys can provide a clearer picture of your case’s potential value.
Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC Can Help You Secure a Just Wrongful Termination Settlement
Navigating the complexities of wrongful termination law requires more than determination; it demands legal acumen. Shields Petitti & Zoldan’s reputation for tenacious advocacy—combined with their AV-Preeminent rating and membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum—underscores their ability to achieve optimal outcomes. When you choose our firm, you partner with advocates who understand the stakes.
Our nearly $25 million in settlements and verdicts demonstrates our commitment to securing client justice. With a 5-star reputation, recognition from Super Lawyers, and a history of success in Phoenix, we bring compassion and courtroom strength to every case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward justice.
Attorney Michael Zoldan provides legal counsel to individuals and small businesses throughout Arizona. Mr. Zoldan’s practice is based on aggressive and detail-oriented representation, focusing on employment discrimination, wage and hour disputes, harassment, and wrongful termination. Prior to forming Shields Petitti & Zoldan, Mr. Zoldan worked for numerous law firms where he had an opportunity to hone his litigation skills by working on multiple litigation cases at a time with some of the most skilled litigators in the state.
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