Fighting employee's unemployment claim? Consider downsides and get legal advice.

The pandemic has led many employers to make tough downsizing decisions. And while most of those people are legitimately due unemployment benefits, others are not.

In most states, workers are eligible to receive unemployment if they become unemployed through no fault of their own. But they generally aren't eligible if they quit voluntarily or were fired for gross misconduct.

Employers have the right to contest a former employee's unemployment eligibility. But first consider the potential downsides of such a challenge--and talk it over with your attorney.

Key point: There's one situation when it's essential to meet with your attorney--if you suspect the employee might eventually file a discrimination lawsuit. Reason: Attorneys who represent employees often use the relatively low-stakes unemployment setting to fish for...