Each case is different. Generally, if you are terminated illegally, you may be able to seek damages for lost wages, emotional trauma, and lost benefits.

Compensation could include back pay, which includes the wages you lost when you were terminated. This would be a calculation of what you would have earned if you weren’t illegally terminated.

Compensation may also include “front pay.” Front pay includes wages you would have earned in the future if you hadn’t been wrongfully fired.

And don’t underestimate the stress of getting fired – your financial award could also include compensation for non-economic damages such as anxiety, depression, and loss of reputation caused by your illegal termination.