THE ROLE OF PERFORMANCE REVIEWS IN WRONGFUL TERMINATION LAWSUITS
Performance reviews are often presented as routine evaluations. However, these reviews frequently become key evidence in legal disputes between employees and employers, especially disputes which involve wrongful termination. Stilz Law has helped many clients uncover the truth behind their termination by reviewing past performance evaluations and identifying inconsistencies or manipulation.
We know that performance reviews can both support your claim and be used against you. That’s why it’s important to fully understand how these documents are created, stored, and used. Stilz Law is here to help you understand each component of your performance evaluation and how it can impact your claim.
Unfair Performance Evaluations Can Signal Unlawful Behavior
When employers want to build a case to fire someone, they often lean on performance evaluations as a tool. A sudden shift from positive to negative evaluations without any real rhyme or reason can be a red flag. This kind of a shift can show retaliation, bias, or a cover-up for an unlawful firing. In 2023, 56% of all EEOC charges were attributed to retaliation, frequently triggered by sudden negative evaluations following an employee’s complaint, accommodation request, or protected leave.
Our lawyers here at Stilz Law emphasize the importance of tracking every performance evaluation, meeting, or write-up. These records form the foundation of many successful legal cases. We help our clients gather and analyze these materials to build the strongest possible argument.
The Legal Value of Performance Documentation
At Stilz Law, we work with clients to identify inconsistencies between their actual job performance and what’s written in their evaluations. This comparison often reveals discrimination, retaliation, or violations of employment law. Whether it’s a one-time evaluation or a pattern of declining reviews, we examine every detail.
Stilz Law works hard to ensure that your full story is told. Performance evaluations that lack documentation, ignore positive feedback, or are based on subjective opinions can often be challenged. In some cases, coworkers and witnesses may help prove that an employee was unfairly targeted. Stilz Law brings together legal skill and experience to make these points clear in your case.
How We Use Performance Evaluations in Wrongful Termination Cases
We’ve handled numerous wrongful termination cases where performance evaluations played a critical role. Sometimes the evaluation is overly vague. Other times, it’s completely inconsistent with prior praise. In both situations, these types of evaluations raise legal concerns. As your local wrongful termination attorney, Stilz Law will gather facts, compare timelines, and build a solid strategy around your employment history.
If your employer began writing up false complaints or retroactively created documentation after you filed a complaint or requested leave, these can also support a wrongful termination claim. We know what to look for and how to make your side of the story undeniable.
Know Your Rights and Act Fast
When your employer lets you go under suspicious circumstances, the first step is to collect and preserve your records. Save your performance evaluations, emails, and any communication related to performance. Once you’ve saved your records, contact us at Stilz Law, where we understand how to interpret these documents and connect them to the law.
Wrongful termination isn’t just unfair—it’s illegal. You have rights, and we are here to help you assert them. Whether your dismissal involved discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract, Stilz Law is prepared to fight on your behalf. Call (714) 462-3707 to schedule a free consultation. Let’s discuss your case and how we can help you move forward.