-by Christopher Lebherz

It is a common workplace misconception that workers are legally entitled to severance pay when they are discharged from a job. Whether it is given varies among employers, regions, and industry custom. However, an employer may be legally obligated to pay a worker some severance pay if there is a written contract stating that it would be paid. Otherwise, there may be a promise that employees would receive severance pay as documented in an employee handbook. In addition, although it may be difficult to prove, there may have been an oral promise that an employer would pay a worker severance. If so, the employer who reneged on a promise to pay severance may be sued for breach of contract.

Lebherz & Lebherz, Attorneys at Law, can be your advocate in negotiations or in the courtroom. We are located at Old Bailey Court, 99 Town Hall Square. Please call LEBHERZ & LEBHERZ, Attorneys at Law, at (508)548-6600 to schedule a consultation to review the details of your case.