The law firm Castronovo & McKinney, LLC provides expert legal services for employees facing discrimination by employers in Estell Manor and surrounding areas. If you’re dealing with termination, layoff, or resignation, you may be presented with a severance agreement. Though these agreements may seem straightforward, they often contain clauses that can waive critical legal rights, including your right to pursue legal action against your employer. It is crucial to consult an experienced employment lawyer before signing any severance agreement to ensure your rights are protected.
At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we prioritize protecting employee rights at every stage of employment, from hiring to termination. Severance agreements tend to favor employers, and our team is committed to ensuring that your rights are not compromised. Contact us for a thorough review and professional advice on your severance agreement.
What is a Severance Agreement?
A severance agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms of an employee’s termination, including the rights and obligations of both parties. While these agreements are often designed to protect the employer’s interests, they can include several clauses that impact the employee, such as:
- A non-disclosure clause, which prevents the employee from disclosing the reasons for termination or any confidential company information.
- A non-compete clause, which restricts the employee from working for a competitor or starting a similar business.
- A non-disparagement clause, which prohibits the employee from making negative comments about the employer.
Most importantly, severance agreements frequently require employees to waive their right to sue the employer in exchange for severance pay or other benefits. Given the significant implications of these agreements, it is vital to have them reviewed by a skilled employment attorney to ensure your rights are fully protected.
What Should Be Included in My Severance Agreement?
Severance agreements are customized to individual circumstances, but they generally include several key elements designed to protect your interests:
- Severance Pay: Employers may offer severance pay based on the terms of your contract, state or federal law, or company policy. An experienced lawyer can ensure you receive all appropriate compensation, including unpaid bonuses, accrued time off, and other benefits. We’ll also make sure any waiver of legal rights doesn’t infringe upon your vested benefits.
- Medical Benefits: Under federal law, you are entitled to continue your health insurance coverage under your employer’s plan for up to 18 months after termination, though you may need to pay the premiums. An attorney can negotiate with your employer to cover these costs for a period or secure a lump-sum payment.
- References: Employers typically provide limited information about your employment, confirming only that you worked with them and the dates of employment.
- Dispute Resolution: Severance agreements often include arbitration clauses to resolve disputes. Courts generally uphold arbitration agreements, but it is essential to have an attorney who specializes in arbitration to ensure fair proceedings. If needed, our trial lawyers are prepared to litigate on your behalf.
- Confidentiality: Terms of the severance agreement are usually confidential, with exceptions for discussions with family members, attorneys, or during legal proceedings.
Employers often have the upper hand during termination, but our skilled negotiators will work to protect your rights and ensure you receive a fair severance package that supports your future employment prospects.
Why Choose Castronovo & McKinney, LLC?
If you’re facing termination in Estell Manor, don’t rush into signing your severance agreement. It’s important to understand the implications of each clause and protect your legal rights. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC offers comprehensive legal services to review severance agreements, clarify your rights, and handle all communications with your employer and their legal team. Our goal is to secure a favorable severance package that fully protects your interests.
Contact Our Experienced Severance Agreement Attorneys
Facing termination is stressful, and it’s tempting to sign a severance agreement quickly to move on. However, signing without proper legal counsel can jeopardize your future rights. At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of severance agreements. Serving Estell Manor and surrounding areas, our experienced employment lawyers are here to ensure that your rights are fully protected during this critical time.