Employees in Texas who are terminated possess few rights in comparison with their employers because Texas is an at-will state. At-will employment means that an employer may legally terminate employees for no reason but may not terminate someone for a reason that violates state or federal laws. As such, employees in Texas have few wrongful termination rights. Our Texas employment law attorneys can explain why workers may not have a termination claim if they are fired for any of the following reasons:

• No reason. Texas employers are not required to give one.
• A seemingly minor cause such as being late to work or violation of a smoking policy.
• Being singled out when less qualified workers keep their jobs.
• Refusal to relocate or accept a different position.
• Refusal to sign non-compete agreements or non-disclosure agreements.
• Recounting bad, but not illegal, behavior of a boss or employee; and
• Wrongful personality disputes between an employee and a manager.

A Hostile Work Environment may be Grounds for a Wrongful Termination Claim that Can be Argued in Court

Sometimes one of the above situations is a cover-up by a firm for an illegal termination claim. For example, this might be the situation when an employee is fired for reporting business fraud, sexual harassment, employment discrimination, or a compensation claim. If there is evidence that the real reason for the termination is a violation of an employee’s civil rights, whether there is an employment contract or not, contact Kilgore & Kilgore in Texas for a frank assessment of the claim.

Texas has another limited exception to the at will employment rule. If employees are terminated solely because they refused to commit a crime, they may have a valid wrongful termination claim.

Do you have a Case for a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit or a Retaliation Lawsuit?

There are exceptions that may protect employees. Texas employers may not retaliate against you because you:

• Talked about salary or other workplace issues with a co-worker.
• Refused to engage in an unlawful act.
• Reported your employer to the authorities for unlawful behavior.
• Complained to your employer about discrimination.
• Chatted about working conditions or salary with your coworkers.
• Joined or attempted to form a union.
• Joined the military or took leave for a military deployment.
• Took medical leave to care for yourself or a loved one.
• Became pregnant.
• Used or requested employee benefits such as health insurance or a retirement claim; and
• Spoke out on a matter of public concern, such as COVID-19.

If you were the victim of employment discrimination or retaliation for any of the above reasons, you may have a claim for damages. Our employment law attorneys in Texas represent clients at many levels of a firm, in a wide variety of businesses. Kilgore & Kilgore has won awards in court against many different types of employers.

Our Clients in Texas Tell Us

Click on this link to read some of the many client testimonials that people have sent to thank our employment lawyers for getting them back on track. Kilgore & Kilgore may be able to do the same for you.

Reach Out to Us

To learn more about wrongful termination, employment retaliation, and employment law litigation, or to obtain a free review of the facts of your case, click here to get the conversation started contact us.