Houston Lawyers for Severance Agreements

Understanding Your Rights in Regard to Severance Package Laws

Companies are not required by law to provide severance packages to employees. As a result, severance agreements are offered at the discretion of an employer. Most severance agreements extend medical benefits and pay for a limited amount of time on the condition that the employee waives his or her right to sue the company.

In cases where age discrimination is a concern on the part of an employer, an employee may be given 21 days to decide whether or not to accept a severance package. This is intended to protect the company from allegations that they used pressure to force an employee to accept an offer. Since there are a number of legal and financial issues that must be considered when evaluating a severance package, consulting a Houston employment law attorney before you sign may be the best way to protect your interests and your rights.

Why Ask a Lawyer About My Severance Package?

At the law office of Shellist Lazarz Slobin, our employment law attorneys Houston work closely with clients in evaluating the terms and conditions of a severance package. To discuss your case, contact severance agreement lawyers at Shellist Lazarz Slobin today.

A Houston severance agreement lawyer from our firm can explain:

• What claims, if any, are worth pursuing against a company
• Whether you have a good chance of winning
• What you can do to clarify ambiguous terms

Severance Package Agreements and Enforceability

The enforceability of a severance agreement is essential in order to enforce the release of rights on the part of the employee not to pursue a claim against the employer. In order for a severance agreement to be enforceable, an employer must offer an employee something over and above what they would normally receive upon separation from a company.

For example, a severance agreement could include unused sick pay, vacation pay, an extension of health care coverage, or even continued contribution to an employee's 401k account—whatever the employer decides. If a severance agreement does not include these kinds of additional benefits, an employee may be released from a non-compete agreement as well.