How To Handle The Loss Of Your Job In Ohio
Losing your job (especially when wrongfully terminated) is incredibly stressful, making it very difficult to focus during the time that follows. Mark Biggerman of Mark W. Biggerman, Attorney at Law, is often asked: “What do I do now?” In response, he has prepared the following checklist for Ohio residents who find themselves out of a job.
Job Loss Checklist
1. Get organized and develop a plan of action.
The first thing you should do is organize your thoughts and develop a plan of action. For example, if you believe you were wrongfully terminated, you should write down all the important details while they are fresh in your mind. This includes creating a chronology of events leading up to the termination, a list of the players, potential witnesses and ways in which you were treated unjustly. Also include in your plan of action the ways in which you will accomplish the remaining items listed below.
2. File for unemployment benefits.
Immediately after being terminated, you should file for unemployment benefits. This will ensure a continuation of at least some income while you are unemployed. In order to obtain these benefits, you must show that you lost your job through no fault of your own. If you believe the employer will argue against this, you should consider your strategy for defending yourself. For example, identify favorable witnesses and documents.
3. Contact the Ohio Department of Medicaid and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Most people do not realize that these agencies provide a wide range of services to those who qualify due to low income. For instance, after being terminated, you could be entitled to Medicaid health insurance coverage, food assistance and possibly even cash assistance. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services also provides employment and training assistance to help you find another job. This includes assisting you in creating a résumé and preparing for job interviews.
4. Start looking for another job.
You should begin searching for another job as soon as possible. First, you must do this to qualify for unemployment benefits. Second, if you file a lawsuit, the law requires that you attempt to minimize your lost wages by diligently searching for another job. Third, it goes without saying that you need an income to survive.
5. File a claim with the EEOC or OCRC.
If you believe your termination was due to discrimination or retaliation, you can file a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or its Ohio counterpart, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC). Those agencies investigate charges at no cost to you.
6. Contact an attorney.
This item is listed last – not because it is least important but only because you do not need an attorney to initiate the things on this list. However, if you feel you have been wrongfully terminated, you should consult with an employment law attorney as soon as possible. Although you may begin the process of some or all of the suggestions on the list, an attorney will be able to provide you with critical advice and guidance on how to proceed with each task and, ultimately, prepare for a lawsuit if one is appropriate.
Wrongfully Terminated? Talk To Attorney Biggerman About Your Case
Mark Biggerman is ready to evaluate your employment claim. Call Mark W. Biggerman, Attorney at Law, in Beachwood at 216-220-6639 to schedule an appointment.