After being fired from a job, employees maintain a certain level of rights when it comes to the workplace. This includes a number of benefits retained regardless of the reasons for termination. In addition, certain firings can be considered violations of legal rights, prompting you to be able to pursue legal action.

Significance

If you are fired from a job, the employer usually cannot take your retirement money. As long as you are vested, the retirement money is yours. If you are partially vested, only some of the money can be retained.

Benefits

Health insurance from a company of 20 or more employees is part of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). This allows you to retain health coverage for up to 18 months after termination.

Features

After being fired because of a layoff, closure or other reason, you generally can collect unemployment compensation. The only exception to this rule is if someone is terminated due to insubordination or a violation of company policy.

Potential

If you are wrongfully terminated, you can generally follow the channels for a lawsuit or work with the union for just compensation. However, many contracts deem employees as “at will” workers, meaning they can be terminated at a moments notice for any reason.

Considerations

When an employee is terminated for being a whistle blower, the employer is committing an act in violation of the law. This generally occurs if you report violations to the government or participate in an investigation or lawsuit.