Employees in Texas are generally subject to the “employment at will” doctrine. This means that, unless there is an express agreement to the contrary or certain exceptions are present, your employer may terminate your employment or change the terms and conditions of employment at any time, for any reason. They don’t even need to have a reason, nor do they have to give you advance notice.
Even though the at-will presumption is that an employee can be fired unexpectedly, with or without cause, both federal and Texas wrongful termination laws do provide some protection:
• You cannot be discharged because of your race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or citizenship. • You cannot be fired for reporting suspected wrongdoing (for being a whistleblower) to government authorities. • Your employer cannot discharge you because you filed a claim (OSHA, federal wage and hour, workers’ compensation, employment discrimination, sexual harassment) • If you have an express employment agreement, including a collective bargaining agreement, you are not an at-will employee. • Your employer cannot fire you because you refused to perform an illegal act. • You cannot be fired for taking maternity or family leave. • Your employment cannot be terminated because you had jury duty or military duty or engaged in union activity.When an employer has violated the law or public policy by discharging an employee because of one of the reasons given above, a wrongful termination lawsuit may be filed. Many times the case is resolved through mediation and a settlement. Remedies for wrongful discharge can include reinstatement, back and future pay, promotion, punitive damages, and an injunction against future illegal conduct. The employer can also be made to pay attorney’s fees, expert witness fees, and court costs.
Wrongful termination cases can be difficult to prove. Dallas attorney Don Tittle has more than 25 years of experience in both civil and criminal law. He has successfully represented clients whose employment was wrongfully terminated, including two veteran police officers from the City of Flower Mound, Texas, and a Dallas police officer. You can read more about those cases here and here.
The Law Offices of Don Tittle will work tirelessly to see that your rights are protected and that your family does not suffer as a result of your wrongful termination. Whether your employer was a small business or a governmental entity, we have the resources to thoroughly investigate and pursue your claim. Call Don Tittle at (214) 522-8400 or use our online contact form.