Understanding Wrongful Dismissal in Toronto
Wrongful dismissal happens when you’re let go without reasonable notice or fair pay in lieu—even if it’s called “without cause.” In Ontario, employers often offer only Employment Standards Act (ESA) minimums, but your common-law severance can be significantly higher based on your age, role, and years of service. Severance isn’t just salary: it may include benefits, bonus/commission, and other compensation you would have earned during the notice period.If your employer alleged “just cause,” remember the legal bar is high and many allegations don’t hold up. Don’t sign a release until a Wrongful Dismissal Lawyer Toronto reviews your package and contract terms (many termination clauses are unenforceable). Most court claims must start within two years, and some ESA/human-rights routes have shorter deadlines. We’ll assess your offer quickly, explain your full entitlements, and negotiate—or litigate—for the compensation you’re owed.
Do I Have a Case? Common Signs of Wrongful Dismissal
You may have a claim if you experienced sudden termination without performance warnings, a “for cause” label that doesn’t fit the facts, policy changes applied retroactively, or a termination letter with a short fuse to accept. Red flags include being replaced quickly, removal of duties before the firing, or pressure to return company property immediately. If you have long service, a specialized/senior role, or you’re older, your notice period is often longer under common law. Speak to a Toronto Employment Lawyer before you respond to any offer.
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What Compensation Am I Entitled To?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to reasonable notice (severance) pay, benefits continuation, bonus/commission, accrued vacation, and other damages. Employers often underpay by limiting offers to Employment Standards Act (ESA) minimums; most employees are entitled to more under common law. Our team builds the case for your full entitlements and negotiates the strongest outcome—pursuing litigation when necessary.
Before You Sign a Release—Talk to a Lawyer
Releases are binding and often waive your rights to additional compensation. Do not sign a termination package or release before getting advice from a Wrongful Dismissal Lawyer Toronto. Unified LLP’s employment lawyers in Toronto will review your offer quickly, compare it to common-law entitlements, and negotiate improvements where warranted.
Just Cause Allegations and “For Cause” Terminations
The legal threshold for just cause is very high. Employers sometimes label misconduct or performance issues as “cause” without meeting that standard—resulting in wrongful dismissal. If your employer’s alleged cause, we’ll examine the evidence, the discipline process, and proportionality to challenge the claim and seek severance on your behalf.
Constructive Dismissal vs. Wrongful Dismissal
If you weren’t formally fired but faced major unilateral changes—like a pay cut, demotion, or toxic environment—you may have a constructive dismissal claim, which is treated like a termination for compensation purposes. Learn more on Constructive Dismissal Lawyer Toronto, and ask how it interacts with your wrongful dismissal rights.
Why Choose Unified LLP
When your job and income are on the line, you need a wrongful dismissal lawyer in Toronto who combines clear advice with decisive action. Unified LLP pairs strategic negotiation with courtroom readiness so you don’t leave money on the table.
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
| Experienced Employment Counsel | Decades of combined experience resolving wrongful dismissal disputes across Toronto and the GTA |
| Personalized Strategy | Direct access to your lawyer, practical guidance at every step, and a plan tailored to your role, tenure, and goals |
| Transparent Fees | Many matters proceed on a contingency basis (no legal fees until we recover compensation), with clear options from day one. |
| Negotiation & Litigation | We press for the best settlement possible and litigate when necessary to secure full severance, benefits, and bonuses |
Ready to understand your true entitlements? Contact Unified LLP for a free wrongful dismissal consultation and a fast review of your termination package.
Related Employment Law Services
Unified LLP represents employees across the GTA in a full range of workplace disputes. Explore our focused pages for quick answers and next steps.
Wrongful Dismissal Lawyer in Toronto FAQ
What is wrongful dismissal in Toronto?
It’s a termination without reasonable notice or fair pay in lieu. Even “without cause” terminations can be wrongful if the compensation is inadequate under common law.
How do I know if my severance offer is fair?
Most offers only reflect Employment Standards Act minimums, not your common-law entitlements (which consider age, length of service, position, and job market). Have an Employment Lawyer Toronto review the package before you sign.
What compensation can I receive for wrongful dismissal?
Potential entitlements include severance for the reasonable notice period, benefits continuation, bonus/commission, and other damages. We quantify and pursue the full amount you’re owed. Contact us to have a Toronto wrongful dismissal lawyer review your severance and next steps.
My employer alleged “just cause.” Do I still have a claim?
Often, yes. The bar for just cause is high. If the employer can’t meet it, you may be entitled to severance. A Wrongful Dismissal Lawyer Toronto can assess the strength of the allegation.
How long do I have to start a wrongful dismissal claim?
Generally, two years from termination to start a court claim in Ontario. Some ministry or human-rights routes have shorter deadlines, so get advice promptly.
Should I sign a release or termination package?
Not before legal review. Once signed, you typically can’t pursue more. We can review and negotiate better terms quickly.
What will it cost to hire a wrongful dismissal lawyer in Toronto?
Many files are handled on a contingency basis—no legal fees until money is recovered. We’ll outline options up front.
How does common law affect wrongful dismissal claims?
Common law provides additional protections to employees beyond statutory minimums. Under common law, employers must provide reasonable notice or pay in lieu of notice, considering factors like length of service, age, and position. If these standards are not met, wrongful dismissal occurs, and employees can take legal action to claim their full entitlements
What types of wrongful dismissal cases can a law firm handle?
Our law firm handles various types of wrongful dismissal cases, including termination without cause, inadequate notice or pay in lieu of notice, constructive dismissal, and discriminatory dismissals based on protected statuses such as race, gender, or disability.
When should employers and employees seek legal action in wrongful dismissal cases?
Employers and employees should seek legal action in wrongful dismissal cases as soon as possible. Employers should ensure they comply with both statutory and common law requirements when terminating employees, while employees should consult a wrongful dismissal lawyer if they believe they haven’t received proper notice or pay in lieu of notice. Early legal advice can help both parties navigate the complexities of employment law and resolve disputes effectively.
What specific expertise do wrongful termination lawyers in Toronto have?
As your team of termination lawyers in Toronto, we have a comprehensive knowledge of the Employment Standards Act, 2000, S.O. 2000, c. 41, Federal Labour Standards, Canada Labour Standards Regulations (C.R.C., c. 986), Canada Labour Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. L-2), and all other relevant laws. We leverage this knowledge to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation you are legally entitled to if you were the victim of a wrongful dismissal.
