Losing your job is never easy, but when you believe your termination was unjust or illegal, the situation becomes even more stressful. In Texas, as in other states, there are laws designed to protect employees from unfair treatment, including wrongful termination. If you’re a worker in Dallas who suspects you were wrongfully terminated, understanding your rights and what qualifies as wrongful termination is essential for protecting yourself and seeking justice.
In this post, we’ll break down the basics of wrongful termination in Texas, highlight the key protections under state and federal law, and help you recognize when you might have a case worth pursuing.
What Is Wrongful Termination?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired in violation of legal rights or public policy. In other words, your employer’s decision to terminate your employment breaches the law or your contract terms.
Texas is an “at-will” employment state, which generally means that employers can terminate employees for any reason—or no reason at all—at any time, as long as the reason isn’t illegal. This means wrongful termination claims are often more complex because employers have broad discretion in firing decisions.
However, there are important exceptions to at-will employment that protect workers from being fired for unlawful reasons.
Common Grounds for Wrongful Termination in Texas
Here are some of the most common situations where a termination might be considered wrongful under Texas and federal laws:
1. Discrimination
It is illegal for employers to fire you based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. These protections come from federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
For example, if a Dallas employer terminates you because of your race or gender, this could be grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
2. Retaliation
Your employer cannot legally fire you for complaining about discrimination, harassment, wage violations, unsafe working conditions, or other illegal practices. Retaliation against employees who report wrongdoing or participate in investigations is prohibited.
If you filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or reported safety violations and were subsequently terminated, this could be wrongful.
3. Violation of Employment Contracts
If you have a written employment contract or union agreement specifying the terms of your employment, your employer must follow those terms. Firing you without cause in violation of that contract can be wrongful termination.
Even oral promises or implied contracts (such as company policies or employee handbooks) may provide protections in some cases.
4. Termination in Violation of Public Policy
Texas recognizes that employees cannot be fired for reasons that violate public policy. This includes being terminated for refusing to perform illegal acts, serving on a jury, taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), or exercising workers’ compensation rights.
How to Know If You Have a Wrongful Termination Case
If you believe you were fired for any of the reasons listed above, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim. Other warning signs include:
- Being the only employee terminated in a discriminatory manner
- Your employer gave inconsistent or false reasons for your firing
- You were fired shortly after reporting harassment or safety violations
- Your termination violated company policies or promises
What Steps Should You Take After Being Terminated?
If you suspect wrongful termination, it’s important to act quickly:
- Document Everything
Keep all emails, termination letters, pay stubs, and any communications related to your firing. - Write Down Your Version of Events
Record details about what happened before and after your termination while it’s fresh in your mind. - Avoid Signing Any Documents Without Legal Advice
Employers may ask you to sign severance agreements or releases that waive your rights. - Contact a Dallas Wrongful Termination Lawyer
An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, guide you through the legal process, and protect your rights.
How Can a Wrongful Termination Lawyer Help?
Wrongful termination cases can be complex and often involve strict filing deadlines. A Dallas wrongful termination lawyer can:
- Investigate your case and collect evidence
- File claims with the appropriate agencies, like the EEOC
- Negotiate settlements or represent you in court
- Ensure you receive compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages
Final Thoughts
While Texas’ at-will employment laws give employers broad rights to terminate employees, wrongful termination protections exist to safeguard workers from illegal and unfair practices. If you believe your firing was discriminatory, retaliatory, or violated a contract or public policy, you have the right to seek justice.
If you’re facing a wrongful termination situation in Dallas, don’t navigate it alone. Reach out to a skilled wrongful termination lawyer who can help you understand your rights and take the necessary steps to protect your future. We recommend wrongful termination lawyers Dallas.