AUSTIN WRONGFUL TERMINATION LAWYER

Wrongful Termination

Understanding Wrongful Termination and Your Legal Rights in Austin

Wrongful termination happens when an employer illegally fires an employee for reasons that violate state or federal laws. In Texas, including Austin, most employees work under an “at-will” employment system, meaning Employers have the right to terminate employees at any time, whether for cause or without cause. However, this right is not absolute. An employer cannot unjustly terminate an employee. Various reasons for wrongful termination may include discrimination or retaliation for reporting incidents or unlawful workplace practices. 

Illegal Reasons for Termination

While employers generally have broad discretion in employment decisions, certain terminations are prohibited by law. Wrongful termination includes any firing based on discrimination or violations of employee rights. Under federal and state laws, employers cannot dismiss employees based on protected characteristics, such as: 

• Race or ethnicity 
• Gender or sex 
• Skin color 
• Religion 
• Age (The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is designed to protect individuals from discrimination based on their age in the workplace and applies to employees and executives 40 years old or older). 
• Disability status (protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act) 
• Veteran status 
• National origin
  
  

An employer cannot fire an employee in retaliation for participating in legally protected activities. This includes: 

• Filing complaints about workplace discrimination 
• Reporting harassment 
• Raising concerns about certain unsafe working conditions 
• Reporting certain wage or labor law violations 
• Acting as a whistleblower by exposing certain illegal activities within the company
  
  

Retaliatory termination is a clear violation of labor laws. Violating laws can result in legal consequences for individuals and the employer. 

Not all employees in Austin are employed under at-will arrangements. Some professionals, such as executives, physicians, and founders, may have employment contracts that outline their employment terms, including conditions for termination. If an employer terminates an employee violating the contract terms, it may constitute wrongful termination. 

Common breaches include: 

• Firing an employee before the contract period expires without cause 
  
• Failing to provide agreed-upon severance
• Ignoring contractual protections
• If you have an employment contract and believe your termination was unlawful, you may have a solid basis for filing a breach of contract claim.
  
  

Losing a job is a stressful and life-altering experience, primarily when it occurs for unlawful reasons. Wrongful termination can lead to: 

• Financial hardship due to loss of income 
• Emotional distress and harm to your professional reputation. 
• Challenges finding new employment

Fortunately, Kaplan Law Firm is here to help. Employees who have been wrongfully terminated may be entitled to lost wages, job reinstatement, damages for emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages against the employer. 

Taking Action Against Wrongful Termination

If you believe you have been unfairly terminated from your job, please reach out for assistance, it is crucial to act quickly. Employment laws set deadlines for filing claims, and delaying action could affect your ability to seek help. The first step is to consult an experienced employment law attorney who can evaluate you. We will explain your rights, discuss your case, and guide you through the legal process. 

At Kaplan Law Firm, we protect employees from unlawful termination and hold employers accountable. Contact us today to discuss your situation and explore your legal options. You don’t have to face this challenge alone—we are here to help you fight for justice and the compensation you deserve.