Legal Assist FAQ - What steps should we take before letting an employee go?

A: Be aware of liability regarding employee treatment and follow the listed guidelines.

Lawsuits alleging wrongful employment practices are one of today's fastest growing areas of civil litigation. You can take steps to reduce your risk.

Anyone in a supervisory role should be aware of the following guidelines:

• Avoid inappropriate or inaccurate comments in an evaluation.

• Identify specific rules or policies that any employee violates and record all violations in the employee's personnel file.

• Don't discharge an employee without the benefit of a thorough investigation.

• Give the employee an opportunity to explain any behavior in question.

• Seek the advice of counsel as soon as the possibility of termination arises.

• Share information about a termination on a “need to know” basis.

If you are a Brotherhood Mutual policyholder, please contact your agent immediately anytime you become aware of a potential employment-related claim. If your agent is unavailable, you should contact the Claims Department directly at 800.333.3371.

Don't discharge an employee without the benefit of a thorough investigation.