A severance agreement can land on your desk at the worst possible moment. The document may look straightforward, but its language can determine whether you keep the right to pursue a sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or pregnancy discrimination claim.
A signature deserves more than a quick read. Once you sign, the options available to you may be far narrower than they are right now.
Before putting your name on anything, watch why a legal review matters so much.
Signing Closes Doors You May Not Know Are Open
Severance agreements routinely ask employees to release claims against their employer. As our attorney puts it, “once you sign away your rights, you signed away your rights.” There can be exceptions, but don’t assume you can simply undo an agreement after the fact.
Timing makes this harder. A severance offer often arrives while you’re still processing what happened, gathering information, or deciding whether to raise a complaint. Understanding what the agreement actually says—before you sign—is the only way to make a fully informed decision.
Your Situation Has to Shape the Review
No two workplace situations are identical, and the same is true of severance agreements. The terms on the page need to be read alongside your own experience, concerns, and rights under applicable state and federal law.
We represent workers only—never employers or corporations. That focus matters when you need straightforward guidance about an agreement that could affect a discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or pregnancy discrimination claim.
Questions worth raising before you sign:
- What rights does this agreement ask you to release?
- Does it relate to concerns you already have about how you were treated at work?
- Is there a deadline that requires a prompt review?
- What should you have in front of you before speaking with an attorney?
Don’t Let the Deadline Make the Decision
An employer’s deadline can create real pressure, but pressure isn’t a substitute for understanding what you’re signing. As the video advises, “please call a lawyer first before you sign anything.” We’ve worked with countless employees navigating severance agreements, and that single step—getting a review before signing—has made all the difference.
If you have questions about a severance agreement, Phillips & Associates, PLLC is ready to discuss your situation with the professionalism and care it deserves. Reach our team at (866) 229-9441 before you sign.