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What are my options if I am being sued by a former employee in Ohio for wrongful termination?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

As a lawyer, I would advise that if you are being sued by a former employee for wrongful termination in Ohio, you should consult with a qualified attorney immediately to evaluate the claims against you and to develop an effective strategy for defending against the lawsuit.

Under Ohio law, an employee can file a wrongful termination claim if they believe that they were fired for an unlawful reason, such as discrimination, retaliation, or violation of Ohio public policy. To succeed in a wrongful termination claim, the former employee must provide evidence that supports their allegations.

As an employer, you have several options for responding to a wrongful termination claim. You can choose to:

  1. Negotiate a settlement - In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a settlement with the former employee to resolve the dispute before it goes to trial. This can be an effective way to avoid the time and expense of litigation and to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
  2. Defend against the lawsuit - If you believe that the former employee's claims are without merit, you can choose to defend against the lawsuit in court. This will require the assistance of an experienced Ohio employment law attorney to develop a strong defense strategy and to represent you in court.
  3. File a motion for summary judgment - In some cases, it may be possible to file a motion for summary judgment with the court to have the case dismissed without a trial. This will require evidence that there are no genuine issues of material fact and that the former employee's claims are without merit as a matter of law.

It is important to note that Ohio law places time limitations on when a former employee can file a wrongful termination claim. Generally, an employee has 180 days from the date of their termination to file a claim with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. After this time period, the employee may file a lawsuit in court.

In conclusion, if you are being sued by a former employee in Ohio for wrongful termination, it is important to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can evaluate the claims against you, develop a defense strategy, and work to protect your legal rights and interests throughout the litigation process.