| Read Time: 3 minutes | Wrongful Termination
How to File a Wrongful Termination Claim in Arizona

A job is more than just a paycheck; it is a cornerstone of stability, purpose, and future dreams. Questions often come faster than answers when what feels like a wrongful termination abruptly shatters that stability. Did your employer break the law when they fired you? Could this termination be a violation of your rights? Understanding how to file a wrongful termination claim is not just about recovering what was lost—it is about restoring justice and ensuring accountability. 

Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC, one of Phoenix’s most respected employment law firms, is prepared to stand by your side as you take the first steps toward resolution. With nearly $25 million in settlements and verdicts, five decades of combined experience, and a reputation for fierce litigation, we have the knowledge and passion to handle your case.

Read on to discover actionable insights into how to file a wrongful termination lawsuit and why legal guidance is invaluable during this process.

Can You Explain How to File a Wrongful Termination Claim?

Knowing how to file wrongful termination complaints can be overwhelming, especially if you are unsure where to start or what evidence to gather. Let us break the process down to help you move forward confidently.

Step 1: Assess Whether You Have a Claim

First, evaluate your situation to determine if your termination violated legal provisions. Key questions to ask include:

  • Was I fired in retaliation for reporting workplace misconduct?
  • Did my employer breach a contract or company policy?
  • Was I terminated based on discrimination against a protected class?

If the answer to these questions is yes, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit. Understanding how to file for wrongful termination begins with asking these questions.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

Building a strong case requires documentation. Consider the following steps:

  • Collect emails, memos, and written correspondence related to your dismissal;
  • Document conversations with supervisors or HR representatives; and
  • Save performance reviews, pay stubs, and any agreements related to your employment.

Detailed and organized evidence strengthens your case and demonstrates the validity of your claim.

Step 3: File a Complaint with the Appropriate Agency

If your termination involved discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which oversees claims related to federal anti-discrimination laws and others, or the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD), which handles complaints under state employment laws may be necessary.

These agencies require you to file claims within a specific timeframe—180 days for ACRD and 300 days for EEOC complaints. Adhering to these deadlines is crucial.

Step 4: Understand the Role of Negotiations

Once you file your claim, the involved agency may initiate mediation or negotiations between you and your employer. While these discussions resolve some cases, others may escalate to formal lawsuits. Also good to remember: Knowing how to file a wrongful termination lawsuit means preparing for potential settlement discussions while being ready to litigate.

Step 5: Initiate a Lawsuit If Necessary

If mediation fails or your claim involves a more complex legal issue, filing a wrongful termination lawsuit in Arizona’s state or federal court may be the next step. A skilled attorney can:

  • Draft and file the complaint within the applicable statute of limitations;
  • Represent you during pretrial hearings and discovery; and
  • Advocate for your rights before a judge or jury.

Pursuing a lawsuit can be intimidating, but it allows you to hold your employer accountable. The proper legal representation ensures that your voice is heard and your rights are protected throughout the process. Experienced wrongful termination lawyers, like those at Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC, excel at crafting compelling arguments to counter such defenses.

Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC Will Fight for You

Our award-winning Phoenix-based firm stands out for its commitment to excellence and client success. We are proud to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction awarded to lawyers who achieve significant results for their clients. With five-star reviews and media features on NBC News, Fox News, and AZ Central, our reputation speaks volumes.

Take control of your situation and contact us now. We can guide you through how to file for wrongful termination and help you take the first step toward justice.

Author Photo

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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