Losing your source of income can be an emotional and financial blow that sends your career spiraling out of control. The situation can feel even more disheartening if you have good reasons to believe you did nothing to deserve job termination.
You might have been wrongfully terminated if your employer violated employment laws or the specific termination conditions outlined in your employment contract. Even though your employer can fire you at will in Texas, there are still important legal protections in place. Understanding the signs of wrongful termination can help you determine if your rights have been violated and what steps you can take to seek justice.
Discrimination based on your protected characteristics
Your employer should not terminate your employment contract due to your protected characteristics. For example, if you believe you were fired because of your genetic information or a disability, your employer might have discriminated against you based on these protected characteristics.
You might have proof of this form of discrimination if your termination occurred shortly after an incident or interaction highlighting one of these characteristics. For example, being let go after announcing a pregnancy or requesting religious accommodations could point to wrongful termination.
Retaliation for exercising your rights
Did you know that your employer is prohibited from firing you as punishment for advocating for your legal rights? For example, you should not be let go for filing a complaint about:
- Workplace harassment
- Discrimination
- Unsafe working conditions
You also have the right to take medical leave without worrying about your job security. Even reporting illegal activities, such as fraud or safety violations, should not get you fired.
Breach of contract
If you’re an employee, you should take time to understand the specific termination conditions outlined in your employment contract. This way, if your termination does not comply with the terms of your contract, you can advocate for your rights. For instance, if your contract guarantees job security for a certain period but was terminated without valid cause, you might have grounds for a legal claim.
The fact that Texas is an at-will employment state does not give your employer the right to terminate your contract wrongfully. Recognizing the signs of wrongful termination and knowing your rights can empower you to take action. If you suspect you’ve been wrongfully terminated, don’t shy away from fighting for the justice you deserve.