Ed Sweeney
Franny Ryan
At Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC, we understand that being terminated from your job is not only a professional setback but also a personal ordeal that can cause significant emotional and financial distress. Our firm is committed to representing employees who have been unjustly dismissed by their employers, ensuring that their rights are protected under the law.
With a combined experience spanning over four decades, our partners Ed Sweeney and Franny Ryan bring invaluable expertise from both the plaintiffs’ and defense perspectives. Our comprehensive understanding of employment law allows us to advocate effectively on behalf of Pennsylvania employees who have been unfairly dismissed and seek legal remedies.
We take pride in our meticulous approach to each case, recognizing the unique circumstances and emotional toll that wrongful termination can have on our clients. We invite you to reach out to Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC, to discuss how we can help you claim the justice and compensation you deserve after a wrongful termination.
At Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC, our employment lawyers bring a wealth of experience, top-tier education, and a personalized approach to each case, ensuring comprehensive and empathetic legal representation for our clients. Here’s what sets us apart:
With over decades of combined experience, our dedicated team of wrongful termination lawyers is committed to vigorously defending the rights of workers in Pennsylvania. We offer compassionate, personalized legal representation to ensure that your voice is heard and justice is served. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is dismissed from their job for unlawful reasons. While Pennsylvania is an “at-will” employment state, meaning employers can generally terminate employees for any reason or no reason, this does not give employers the right to dismiss workers for illegal reasons. If your firing violates federal or state laws, your employment contract, or public policy, you may have a wrongful termination claim. Understanding the nuances of employment law can be challenging, which is why having an experienced wrongful termination attorney is crucial.
One of the most common forms of wrongful termination is discrimination. It is illegal for employers to fire employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. If you believe you were terminated due to discriminatory reasons, you have the right to seek justice.
If you have a written, oral, or implied employment contract that limits the reasons for termination, and your former employer breaches this agreement, you may have a wrongful termination claim. We will thoroughly review your contract and advocate on your behalf to uphold your rights.
Federal and local laws protect employees who take lawful leave, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. If you were terminated for exercising your right to take family, medical, or other protected leave, such a jury duty, you may have a valid claim for wrongful termination.
Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If your employer fails to provide reasonable accommodations and instead terminates your employment, we can help you fight back.
Employers cannot terminate employees for refusing to engage in illegal activities, knowingly ignoring safety violations, or for reporting illegal conduct or dangerous conditions. If your employer fired you for refusing to break the law or for whistleblowing, your termination may be considered wrongful.
Your employer cannot legally terminate you for filing a workers’ compensation claim following a workplace injury. If you believe you were dismissed in retaliation for seeking workers’ compensation benefits, an attorney can assist in pursuing a wrongful termination lawsuit.
It is unlawful for your employer to terminate you in retaliation for exercising your legal rights, such as reporting sexual harassment or participating in an investigation to report discrimination in the workplace. If you’ve suffered this adverse employment action, you have legal recourse to hold your employer accountable.
Federal and state laws protect employees who have been wrongfully terminated. These include anti-discrimination laws and employment acts:
If you believe that you were wrongfully terminated based on any of these protected characteristics or for exercising your rights under these laws, it is essential to seek legal guidance immediately. Our experienced wrongful termination attorneys can help you understand your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.
If you suspect you have been wrongfully terminated, act swiftly. Document everything related to your termination, gather any evidence such as emails or witness statements, and contact an experienced employment lawyer immediately. Time limits may apply, so prompt action is crucial to preserving your legal rights.
You don’t have to navigate job loss alone. Our team will provide a free consultation to learn more about your case, review your termination letter, and any severance offer to outline the strongest path forward, whether that means negotiating a quiet settlement or filing suit under Title VII, the PHRA, or other applicable laws. Because we work on a contingency-fee basis, you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Call us today to protect deadlines and preserve critical evidence for your case.
Yes. Even in an “at-will” state, you may sue when a firing violates federal statutes (e.g., Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA), Pennsylvania’s Human Relations Act, public-policy exceptions (refusing to commit an illegal act, reporting safety or regulatory violations), or an employment contract. Most discrimination and retaliation claims must start with a charge filed at the EEOC or PHRC within 180 days of your dismissal, so act quickly.
Often, yes. Successful plaintiffs can recover back pay, front pay, lost benefits, emotional-distress damages, and, under federal law, attorneys’ fees and, in willful cases, punitive damages. Beyond monetary relief, a wrongful termination lawsuit can clear your record and deter repeat misconduct. We provide an honest cost-benefit analysis during your initial consultation.
Outcomes hinge on documentation (emails, texts, performance reviews), credible witnesses, proximity between the protected activity and the firing, and whether the employer’s stated reason is pretextual. Wrongful termination cases supported by solid evidence and timely EEOC/PHRC filings see favorable settlements or verdicts far more often than those relying on “my word versus theirs.” An experienced lawyer improves your odds by framing facts under the correct statutes and deadlines.
Absolutely. Early legal counsel preserves crucial evidence, stops employer retaliation, and ensures you meet short filing windows (some as brief as 180 days). An attorney can also leverage severance discussions, preventing you from unknowingly signing away valid claims.
You must show: (1) membership in a protected class or engagement in protected activity, (2) satisfactory job performance, (3) an adverse action (termination), and (4) a causal link, often proven by timing, comparator treatment, or shifting employer explanations. Contract claims require the agreement’s terms plus evidence that the employer breached them.
Most wrongful termination lawyers, Wusinich, Sweeney, and Ryan, LLC included, work on a contingency fee of any recovery, plus reimbursement of case costs from the settlement or verdict. If no recovery is achieved, you owe no attorney’s fee. We put all terms in writing before you sign.
At Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, we are dedicated to ensuring that workers’ rights are protected throughout Pennsylvania. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your rights.
Answer the questions below to find out quickly if you may have a valid employment law claim. Additional details may be requested if relevant.
This quiz is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. For personalized guidance, consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.
