When someone is laid off, they are oftentimes offered a severance package. At its most basic, a severance package is simply an agreement that employees will sign that provides them with a final payment to provide them with a financial cushion while they look for their next job. While being offered any sort of severance agreement is generally a good deal, the truth is, there are times where severance agreements contain certain stipulations or clauses that are unfair to you, the employee. For this very reason, if you are asked to sign a severance agreement, it is always a good idea to retain the services of an experienced Georgia employment law attorney who can determine whether you should sign such an agreement. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What is generally included in a severance agreement?

Every severance agreement is different, and though they are generally given to employees with their best interests in mind, there are times where severance agreements may actually do more harm than good. Some of those cases are as follows:

• A proprietary information clause: These protect any confidential information you’ve received regarding your company.
• A non-disparagement clause: These clauses are so that employees may not publicly speak negatively about anything having to do with the company after leaving.
• A non-solicitation clause: This prevents employees from recruiting or otherwise hiring co-workers from the company that laid them off.
• A non-compete clause: These clauses prohibit people from seeking employment from direct competitors of their former employer for a predetermined period of time.
• A release of legal claims: This clause prevents employees from making any sort of wrongful termination claims against their former employers. You should absolutely not sign such an agreement if you believe you were wrongfully terminated.

Why should I hire an attorney before signing a severance agreement?

It is always best to hire an experienced Atlanta employment law attorney before signing a severance agreement because our firm can ensure that the agreement is fair and works in your favor. If your employer is attempting to undermine your well-being or included a rather sneaky stipulation in the agreement, our firm can inform you of this and help you make the best decision possible. If you have any additional questions, give us a call today.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED GEORGIA FIRM

If you need help with an employment law matter in the state of Georgia, you can count on Ben Barrett Law to effectively represent your interests. With over 30 years of experience, Attorney Barrett has the skill and experience necessary to help you navigate the complexities of any employment law matter you may be facing. To discuss your case with a legal team you can trust, please do not hesitate to contact Ben Barrett Law today.