Employment termination can be unforeseen and sudden, and other times employees are given many warnings and advance notice.

Because a lay-off can happen to anyone, often without warning, it is very important to be prepared to change jobs. Update your resume, even if you don't think you will need it soon. 

Fortunately, terminated employees have certain rights. They are entitled to things like continued health insurance coverage, severance pay, extended benefits, and unemployment compensation. 

Here you have 5 Legal Steps To Take When Fired From Work Illegally:

Contract Rights

Employees that have a contract with their employer or employees which is covered by a union/collective bargaining agreement would be protected under the stipulations in the contract if their employment is terminated.

Company Policy

When a company plans lay-offs, a severance pay may be provided if your employment is terminated. In general, a severance pay is based on length of employment. It could be a week's pay for every year or service or an amount based on six weeks pay, or any other amount determined by the company. 

Statutory Rights

These rights are provided by federal or state law. They include advance notification of the closing of or a substantial lay-off at a facility, unemployment insurance, anti-discrimination laws, and anti-retaliation laws.

The US Department of Labor

It has information on the laws that regulates employment and advice on where and how to file a claim. Your state labor department may also be able to help you, depending on state law and the circumstances.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion or national origin. Federal contractors and subcontractors must ensure equal access to employment without considering race, color, sex, religion or national origin.