If you have lost your job, you may be trying to save every penny you can. However, in some cases, it is well worth it to seek the legal advice of a Virginia unemployment attorney. Applying for unemployment is relatively easy, but in some situations, it just makes sense to hire an attorney. Best of all, under state law, you only have to pay the attorney if you win your case! Here’s when to hire a Virginia unemployment attorney.
DIY Unemployment Claims
If your situation is straightforward, it’s probably okay to file your own unemployment claim. This is a simple process for most people. Although the forms vary by state, you will need basic information like work history, personal information, and your reasons for being unemployed. After you submit a claim, you may do an interview with the unemployment agency and if you meet requirements, the state will grant your claim. Then you begin receiving benefits.
When to Hire a Virginia Unemployment Attorney 
Here are three scenarios when it would be prudent to involve an unemployment attorney:
Your claim for benefits was improperly denied.
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. In this case, you will likely have to file a written appeal and attend a hearing to explain why you think you are entitled to benefits. Having a lawyer help you prepare the paperwork and guide you during the hearing can make a big difference.
If you think that your employer has violated your rights.
If you believe your rights have been violated, you should consult with an attorney. For instance, if you believe you were laid off due to racial discrimination, gender discrimination, age discrimination, or that you were fired in retaliation for reporting health and safety violations, you should seek legal counsel.
You were fired or quit your job.
You are only eligible for unemployment benefits if you are out of work due to no fault of your own. If you quit your job with no good reason, you aren’t eligible. Or, if you are fired for misconduct, you aren’t eligible. In those cases, you probably won’t get benefits. But a lawyer can help you assess if that’s the case.
Contact a Virginia Unemployment Attorney
If you fit one of the above situations and think that you need to hire an unemployment attorney, it’s important to act quickly. To speak to an attorney about your case, please contact Cook, Craig, and Francuzenko today.
