Fired? Find out if you’re owed more.
Losing your job is stressful enough. You shouldn’t have to figure out your rights—or deal with your former employer—alone.
Samfiru Tumarkin LLP’s Calgary wrongful dismissal lawyers help non-unionized employees challenge wrongful dismissals and recover the compensation they’re owed. If your employer offered too little severance, refused to pay anything, or accused you of misconduct, we can explain your options and help you move forward.
Find Out If You’re Owed More →
Were you wrongfully dismissed?
Wrongful dismissal usually means your employer ended your employment without giving you the notice or compensation you were legally owed. It doesn’t necessarily mean they needed a better reason to fire you.
You may have a claim if:
- Your severance falls short. A few weeks’ pay may not reflect your full entitlement.
- You were fired “for cause.” Your employer says you get nothing because of alleged mistakes, poor performance or misconduct.
- Your employer left compensation out. Your package may overlook bonuses, commissions, benefits or other amounts you’re owed.
- Your job changed substantially. A major pay cut, demotion or other significant change may amount to constructive dismissal, even if you weren’t formally fired.
Being dismissed during a medical leave, after raising a workplace concern, or for a discriminatory reason may also raise additional legal issues.
Your employer’s decision doesn’t have to be the final word
An employer calling a package “standard” or a dismissal “for cause” does not settle your rights.
Our lawyers look at what happened, what your employment contract says, and what you should have received. We identify where your employer’s position falls short and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
Depending on your situation, that can include:
- Pay covering the notice period you should have received.
- Bonuses, commissions, benefits and other compensation.
- Additional damages where the circumstances justify them.
For an overview of how compensation is assessed, visit our Alberta severance pay guide.
Our job is to handle the legal work so you can focus on what comes next.
Fired for cause? Get the allegation checked.
Being told you were fired for cause can leave you worried about your income and your reputation.
But your employer must be able to justify withholding notice or severance. Performance concerns, an isolated mistake or a disagreement at work do not automatically meet that standard.
We examine the allegations, your employment history and the evidence behind the decision. If your employer’s position doesn’t hold up, we can challenge it.
An Alberta employee was offered nothing. We helped recover over $58,000.
After more than 11 years with Zimco Instrumentation, an Alberta product specialist was fired without severance. His employer alleged poor performance and misconduct—and brought a substantial claim against him.
Samfiru Tumarkin LLP represented the employee. The Alberta Court of Justice rejected the employer’s justification for withholding severance, dismissed its claim against him, and awarded the employee more than $58,000.
Read how we helped this Alberta employee →
Getting help starts with a conversation
1. Tell us what happened
Share the circumstances of your dismissal and any offer you received. Have your termination letter and employment contract ready if you can—but don’t delay reaching out because something is missing.
2. Understand your options
We review your situation, explain what you may be owed and discuss the next step in plain language. We’ll also explain the fees before you decide whether to proceed.
3. Let us deal with your employer
If you retain us, we handle communications and pursue a resolution on your behalf. If further action is needed, we can guide you through it.
Why choose Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?
- Local experience. National resources. Our Calgary employment lawyers are backed by a firm that has represented more than 60,000 clients across its practice areas.
- Advice you can understand. We explain your options clearly, including whether pursuing a claim makes sense for you.
- A firm prepared to act. We negotiate with employers and represent employees in court when necessary.
- Familiar voices on workplace rights. Through the Employment Law Show and our media appearances, we help Canadians understand their rights before making decisions that affect their future.
Meet our team and find our office details on our Calgary employment lawyers page.
Questions about wrongful dismissal in Calgary
Can I be wrongfully dismissed even if my employer gave me severance?
Yes. Receiving a severance offer does not necessarily mean you received enough. Your employment contract and circumstances affect what you’re owed. We can review the offer and determine whether you have a claim for more.
Does being fired without cause mean I was wrongfully dismissed?
Not automatically. An employer can often end employment without cause if it provides proper notice or compensation and the dismissal does not violate other legal protections. The question is whether your employer met its obligations to you.
Do I have to sue my employer?
Not every dispute requires a lawsuit, and filing a claim does not mean you will go to trial. We assess the best approach and seek to resolve matters through negotiation where possible.
My employer gave me a short deadline. Do I have to sign?
Your employer’s offer deadline is not the same as your legal deadline to pursue a claim. The offer may expire, but that does not automatically erase your underlying rights. Get advice promptly before signing a release.
How much does a wrongful dismissal lawyer cost?
Fees depend on your case. Some matters qualify for a contingency arrangement, where legal fees depend on recovering compensation. We’ll explain the available arrangement and any other costs before you commit.
What if I only want my severance offer reviewed?
Our Calgary severance pay lawyers can check your offer, identify missing compensation and explain whether there is a basis to negotiate more.
Let’s get to work on what you’re owed.
You’ve lost your job. You don’t have to handle the next step alone.
Tell our Calgary wrongful dismissal lawyers what happened. We’ll help you understand your rights and how we can help.
Before you sign, always check first.