Calgary Wrongful Dismissal Lawyers

Let Go Without Cause in Alberta? We May Be Able Help.

Losing your job unexpectedly can be devastating. If you were fired without proper notice, cause, or compensation, you may have a wrongful dismissal claim. At Litco Law, our top priority is helping you understand your rights. In Alberta, employers must follow the Employment Standards Code and Human Rights Act, meaning they can’t fire you without just cause or proper notice and severance.  

Here are some common examples of wrongful dismissal that could lead to a claim:  

• Your contract terms were changed without your agreement 
• You were terminated without proper notice or fair severance 
• Your employer made false allegations without evidence 
• You weren’t paid vacation time or earned wages 

Our Calgary Wrongful Dismissal Lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve. 

Have questions? Contact us today to speak with our legal team for free. We offer free consultations with our Calgary Wrongful Dismissal and Employment lawyers. 

Wrongful Dismissal vs. Constructive Dismissal  

Wrongful dismissal typically occurs when an employee is fired without just cause, proper notice, or severance. Constructive dismissal happens when an employer changes fundamental terms of employment— like pay, role, or hours —forcing the employee to quit.  

Under Alberta law, you may be entitled to more compensation than your employer offered.  

Don’t sign anything until you speak to a lawyer. 

Asked to Sign Documents After You’ve Been Fired?

Fired. Let Go. Terminated. Downsized. It All Means One Thing: You Have Rights. However, your employer or HR department phrases it, losing your job hurts. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed.  

Here are our top tips: 

• DON’T sign anything right away: Your former employer may try to pressure you into signing non-compete (i.e. you agree not to work for a competing company) or non-disclosure agreements. Or they may ask you to sign a ‘release’ that is disguised as a severance offer which they threaten to revoke unless you sign immediately. 

• DO tell your employer you need time to review documents: have an employment lawyer look over the document before you sign.  

Contact us to speak with a member of our legal team today. We’ll review your severance offer, employment history, and help you understand what you’re truly entitled to. 

“If you have already signed a document or release for your company, but you were unaware of what you were signing or forced or coerced into signing, you may still be able to make a claim.” – Cole Lefebvre, Employment Lawyer, Litco Law

Contact us to find out more.

What Compensation Could You Receive?

There’s a good chance you are entitled to MORE than the legal minimums. 

• Severance Pay: Alberta law has a legal requirement for employers to provide advance notice or severance pay based on how long you’ve worked with them. In Alberta, the minimum notice periods under the Employment Standards Code are: 
  • 1 week for 90 days to 2 years of employment 
  • 2 weeks for 2 to 4 years 
  • 4 weeks for 4 to 6 years 
  • 5 weeks for 6 to 8 years 
  • 6 weeks for 8 to 10 years 
  • 8 weeks for 10+ years 

Instead of giving notice, employers can choose to pay you what you would have earned during that time – commonly called severance pay. 

You may also be entitled to more than the minimum, depending on your: 

• • Age 
  • Role and responsibilities 
  • Length of service 
  • Ability to find similar work 
  • Salary or wages 

• Extra Compensation: Additional compensation may for mental distress caused by a wrongful dismissal or termination that was humiliating or cruel. 
  • Example: Sandra is fired without warning in front of her coworkers and escorted out of the building without explanation. The experience is humiliating and causes lasting emotional distress. The court awards additional compensation to recognize the mental harm caused by how the dismissal was handled. 

• Punitive Damages: In some cases, courts may award damages to deter or punish the employer for a ‘malicious or outrageous’ wrongful dismissal. This is less common in Canada.  
  • Example: An employer fabricates misconduct to justify firing James, a long-term employee, and avoid paying severance. The court finds the employer acted in bad faith and awards punitive damages to punish the behaviour and discourage others from doing the same. While rare, this type of award sends a strong message. 

Know the Legal Deadlines

In most cases, you have up to two years to file a wrongful dismissal claim in Alberta. But other factors could impact your timeline, so it’s best not to wait. Contact us now for a free consultation. 

Just Cause Termination in Alberta: Explained by Employment Lawyers

Employers can fire employees without notice only if there is documented and serious misconduct, such as: 

• Theft or fraud 
• Violence or harassment 
• Serious misconduct 
• Dishonesty

Poor performance, without adequate coaching, or being late once in a while is not enough. If your employer falsely alleges just cause, contact us to speak with our legal team and learn more. 

Can I Afford a Wrongful Dismissal Lawyer?

We understand the financial concerns that come with seeking legal help. While many employment lawyers will charge for the consultation and require a retainer, we don’t charge for either of these things. We never bill by the hour, consults are always free, and we also work on a contingency fee basis for employment law claims. Learn more. 

Why Choose Litco Law?

• We’ve helped thousands of Albertans get access to fair compensation 
• Hundreds of thousands recovered in wrongful dismissal claims 
• Free consultations and no hourly billing  
• You don’t pay unless and until we resolve your claim  

Meet our team of lawyers here. 

Our Calgary Wrongful Dismissal Lawyers Are Here for You

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone   

At Litco Law, we’ve been helping Albertans since 1976. We’re here to protect your rights, reduce your stress, and help you move forward. Whether you need clarity on your severance or believe you were wrongfully dismissed, we’re here to help. 

Book your free consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Dismissal 

Q: Can I still make a claim if I already signed a release?
A: Possibly, especially if you didn’t understand what you were signing or were pressured. 

Q: How much severance am I entitled to?
A: It depends on factors like your length of service, role, age, and ability to find similar work. 

Q: What if my employer said they had cause?
A: They must prove it. We can help assess if the claim of just cause is valid.  

Q: Can I File a Claim if I Worked for a Union? 

A: If you’re part of a labour union and believe you were dismissed unfairly, your first step is to reach out to your union representative. 

Q: How long does a wrongful dismissal claim typically take to resolve? 

A: The timeline can vary significantly based on several factors, such as willingness of both parties to settle, the complexity of your case, the Alberta courts, and more. Some cases may take 3 years to reach resolution, but the vast majority of claims are resolved prior to this.

For more FAQ’s on employment claims click here. 

Our Locations

While our head office is located in Calgary, we also have locations in Edmonton, Red Deer, and Lethbridge. Our Calgary office is located in Britannia Crossing at Suite 200, 5119 Elbow Drive SW, just minutes from Chinook Centre and conveniently accessible from Macleod Trail. Our Edmonton office is located at Unit 230, 8414 109 Street NW, near the vibrant Garneau neighbourhood and close to the University of Alberta. While we have main offices in these cities, we’re able to serve clients anywhere in Alberta, no matter where you live.