Long Island Wrongful Termination Attorney

Expert Long Island Wrongful Termination Lawyer

At The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C., we fight hard for employees across New York who have suffered unfair dismissal. Our office is located on Long Island at 326 Walt Whitman Rd, Suite C in Huntington Station, NY 11746. We draw strength from the communities around us—from Huntington’s vibrant waterfront to the historic grounds that recall Walt Whitman’s legacy. Our practice focuses on New York employment law, and we understand how a wrongful termination can upend your career, your livelihood, and your health. If an employer dismissed you illegally, call us at 516-750-0595 or email intake@jtnylaw.com for a confidential consultation.

What Makes a Termination Wrongful in New York?

A termination is wrongful when the employer violates state or federal law or disregards established employment standards. New York follows the “at-will” employment doctrine, meaning employers can generally terminate workers for any reason—or no reason at all—as long as they do not violate protected rights. However, New York state law imposes critical limits that shield employees from discriminatory, retaliatory, and other unlawful terminations.

The New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) prohibit terminations based on protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and pregnancy. These statutes complement federal protections such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, yet New York’s laws often provide broader coverage—especially for employees at smaller businesses that fall outside federal jurisdiction.

Beyond discrimination, retaliation is one of the most common bases for wrongful termination claims. You may have lost your job after reporting harassment, unsafe working conditions, or wage violations under laws like the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) or the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Long Island’s diverse industries—from Suffolk County’s healthcare sector to Nassau County’s retail and service economy—present a wide range of scenarios in which workers face retaliation for exercising their rights.

Employers also commit wrongful termination by breaching employment contracts or implied covenants of good faith and fair dealing. Violations of public policy—such as firing an employee for refusing to perform an illegal act or for serving on a jury—provide additional grounds for claims. We handle these matters daily and build each case on established legal precedent and deep local knowledge.

Common Grounds for Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination takes many forms, often overlapping with broader workplace violations. At The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C., we regularly handle the following types of cases:

Wrongful termination frequently intersects with personal injury matters. For example, a termination that follows a workplace injury and interferes with workers’ compensation benefits may give rise to claims on both fronts. New York Workers’ Compensation Law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file injury claims. We manage these overlapping claims and pursue full compensation for physical, emotional, and financial harm.

Your Protections Under New York State Law

New York provides some of the strongest employee protections in the nation, reflecting the state’s commitment to fairness and equal treatment. The NYSHRL applies to employers with four or more employees and extends further than many federal statutes. Recent legislative action has expanded these protections—for instance, safeguards for domestic violence survivors and the CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination based on natural hairstyles—demonstrating New York’s proactive approach to employee rights.

Residents of Nassau and Suffolk Counties benefit from additional local regulations addressing wage theft, disability accommodations, and other workplace issues. If your termination violated these protections, you may file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights (NYSDHR) or pursue litigation in court. Time limits are strict: you must file with the NYSDHR within 300 days, or commence a lawsuit within three years under the NYSHRL.

When a wrongful termination causes severe emotional distress—such as anxiety, depression, or other psychological harm—it may also give rise to a personal injury claim. New York courts recognize intentional infliction of emotional distress in egregious cases, awarding damages for harm that may not be immediately visible. We rely on key precedents, including Murphy v. American Home Products Corp. (1983), which established important limitations on the at-will employment doctrine.

We are proud to serve Long Island’s resilient communities. Workers across the region—from Huntington’s waterfront to the North Fork’s agricultural economy—deserve fair treatment. When employers violate that trust, we step in to level the playing field and protect your rights with the full force of New York law.

How Wrongful Termination Affects You

The consequences of a wrongful termination extend far beyond a lost paycheck. Financial hardship compounds quickly: job loss can lead to mounting debt, depleted savings, and even the loss of your home—concerns that are especially acute given Long Island’s high cost of living. The stigma of being terminated can erode your confidence, strain personal relationships, and worsen existing health conditions, potentially giving rise to personal injury claims if the employer’s wrongful conduct was the cause.

In severe cases, wrongful terminations trigger physical health consequences, including stress-related illnesses that connect to New York’s personal injury statutes. Remedies may include recovery of lost wages, future earnings, medical expenses, damages for pain and suffering, and punitive damages to deter future misconduct. We have secured significant results for our clients, reflecting our thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy in every case.

How The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. Can Help

Pursuing a wrongful termination case requires skill, persistence, and a thorough understanding of New York employment law. At The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C., we provide comprehensive legal representation tailored to your specific circumstances. Our team is committed to achieving justice—from the initial case review through negotiations or trial.

We begin with an in-depth investigation, gathering evidence such as performance reviews, communications, and witness statements to build a compelling case. For discrimination or retaliation claims, we leverage the NYSHRL and applicable federal statutes to file timely complaints with agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). When personal injury claims overlap, we work with medical professionals to document the full extent of your losses.

Our deep familiarity with Long Island—its economy, its workforce, and its legal community—gives your case an advantage. This perspective resonates with local judges and juries who understand the region’s values. Our clients appreciate our straightforward communication style: we explain complex legal concepts in clear terms while maintaining the highest professional standards.

Whether we are negotiating a severance agreement or litigating in state or federal court, our goal is to maximize your recovery. Mediation resolves many disputes, but we are always prepared for trial, drawing on Jason Tenenbaum’s extensive courtroom experience.

Steps to Take After a Wrongful Termination

If you suspect you were wrongfully terminated, act quickly to protect your rights:

• Document everything: Preserve all relevant communications, performance reviews, and a written timeline of events leading up to your termination.
• Do not sign anything without legal review: Severance agreements and separation packages may contain waivers that limit your ability to pursue claims.
• Seek legal counsel immediately: Call 516-750-0595 for a confidential consultation to understand your options.
• File the necessary complaints: We will guide you through the NYSDHR or EEOC filing process.
• Explore every avenue of recovery: This includes personal injury claims if your termination caused physical or emotional harm.

New York employment law imposes strict filing deadlines, so time is of the essence.

Contact Us Today

A wrongful termination does not have to define your future. The Law Office of Jason Tenenbaum, P.C. is here to fight for you, drawing on decades of experience serving Long Island’s workers. Visit our Huntington Station office at 326 Walt Whitman Rd, Suite C, NY 11746, call 516-750-0595, or email intake@jtnylaw.com. We are ready to protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you are entitled to under New York law.