HOUSTON, Texas. Losing any job, getting laid off, or getting fired can be incredibly stressful. One of the things that some workers might consider is whether they can sue for wrongful termination. However, in most cases, workers are hired at will, which means they can be fired at will, for any reason, or for no reason. However, if you can prove that you were fired as an act of retaliation or due to discrimination, you may be able to pursue a wrongful termination case. There may be cases also in which a company may violate its own contracts and terms of employment. In this case, individuals may also have the right to sue for wrongful termination. In most cases, workers won’t be entitled to sue for wrongful termination. Companies often hire workers at will and human resources departments often take steps to ensure that termination takes place in a manner that is in accordance with contractual obligations and employee rights. However, there are certainly some cases where workers have been able to successfully pursue wrongful termination cases.
For example, according to the Balance, you should read your employment contract and employee handbook regarding company policy surrounding termination. If you believe your company violated your contract or failed to follow proper termination protocol, you may have a case. In some contracts, employees are entitled to severance or stock options. It is important to look closely at your contract so you don’t lose out on important compensation. If you are denied stock options or severance listed in your contract, you may be able file a wrongful termination case.
According to the Muse, you may also be able to pursue a wrongful termination claim if you were actively trying to unionize or change “working conditions” at your job. Additionally, if you were sexually harassed, witnessed sexual harassment, or reported wrongdoing and were fired for reporting these issues, you could also pursue a wrongful termination case. Another valid wrongful termination claim would be a case where you believe you were fired because of your race, gender, or due to bias. Many states protect workers from being fired because of their gender identity and sexual orientation, though all do not. Finally, workers cannot be fired because they make a worker’s compensation claim or just because they get pregnant.
If you have been fired and have questions about whether you may be entitled to seek damages for wrongful termination, consider reaching out to Moore & Associates, a Houston, Texas employment lawyer today. Our firm can review your employment contract, employment handbook, and ask you questions about the circumstances surrounding your firing. If you were wrongfully terminated, Moore & Associates may be able to help you file a claim for severance you may be owed, or compensation you may be entitled to receive due to your wrongful termination. You may only have a limited amount of time to make a claim, so reach out to our employment lawyers today.
Moore & Associates
440 Louisiana Street, Suite 675
Houston, TX 77002
713-581-9001
