Corpus Christi Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Losing one’s job is not only distressing but can have life-altering consequences for you and your family. Regardless of the reasons behind a firing, it can be frustrating to discover you are suddenly out of a job. When wrongful termination is involved in the equation, it can become even more stressful.

Our attorneys at The Galo Law Firm have a deep understanding of employment law along with experience handling a range of employment-related cases. Our law firm has confronted countless discrimination suits, harassment claims, contract violations, and wrongful termination cases over the past three decades.

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, reach out to The Galo Law Firm today. Our wrongful termination lawyers can evaluate your case and advise you on the best plan of action. Our goal is to protect the rights of our clients while working to reclaim the maximum compensation they deserve.

Get in touch with our Texas wrongful termination lawyers today. Call 210-361-8043

What is Texas At-will Employment Law?

Texas law observes a rule known as “at-will employment”, this means employers can terminate an employee for any lawful reason at any time. However, the important component here is a “lawful” dismissal. If a firing is done for any unlawful reason, an employee can be entitled to a wrongful termination claim.

Although at-will employment may seem all-encompassing, only allowing employees a few options following a termination, there are protections for employees if they are subject to discrimination, retaliation, or other unlawful actions from their employers.

Whether you are certain or worried that you’ve been wrongfully fired in Corpus Christi, Texas, we recommend you speak with a wrongful termination attorney promptly. A qualified attorney can help determine if the firing was legal or illegal, and what your best legal options may be moving forward.

Depending on your case, an employment attorney can not only help you determine your rights but guide you in the process of a wrongful termination lawsuit, gaining you compensation or even reinstating your former position.

What Are Unlawful Reasons for Termination in Texas?

In Texas, termination is illegal when it goes against a federal or state law, statute, or regulation. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) regulate and defend workers’ rights in Corpus Christi and the greater Texas area.

However, it is not enough for an employee to believe their dismissal was unfair. Only when a firing is due to an unlawful reason can it be considered wrongful termination.

The following are unlawful reasons for termination:

• Discrimination – Any termination due to an employee’s status in a protected class dependent on race, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, or pregnancy status.
• Retaliation – It is prohibited to retaliate against an employee for engaging in a protected action. Protected actions include making a workplace complaint, filing a workplace sexual harassment claim, filing an investigation into a company’s practices, taking medical leave, political beliefs, or refusing to participate in illegal activity.
• Breaking Contract – an employer can be liable for breaking the agreement in your contract.

Damages for Unlawful Termination in Texas

After losing a job, filing a lawsuit may seem like yet another burden. However, If you were wrongfully terminated, you could be eligible for serious financial compensation. This could involve reimbursement for lost wages, back pay, future pay, punitive damages, and even reinstatement to your former position.

Damages can include:

• Economic damages – Lost wages, back pay, and future pay.
• Compensatory damages – Any costs associated with the physical or emotional suffering of losing a job, such as medical and therapy expenses, can be reclaimed as compensatory damages.
• Punitive damages -If your employer has violated the law, you can take legal action against them and seek punitive damages. Punitive damages exist to penalize the employer and act as a deterrent for unlawful behavior in the future.

In cases of wrongful termination, companies tend to have an advantage with their resources. Working with a lawyer experienced in employment law is the best strategy to ensure that you get compensated fully for the suffering endured. An attorney can not only defend your case but fight for justice on your behalf.

Proving Wrongful Termination Based on Discrimination

To prove wrongful termination due to discrimination, an employee must first prove they are part of a protected class. After establishing protected class status, an employee will have to demonstrate that they fulfilled the requirements expected of them by their employer, but were subject to an adverse employment action (fired). Finally, there must be evidence that colleagues outside of the protected class received better treatment from the employer.

In wrongful termination cases based on discrimination, an employer has the opportunity to counter the claim with a just reason for the termination. In that case, the employee must contest that claim by providing further evidence that demonstrates the connection between the firing and their protected class status.

Proving Wrongful Termination Based on Retaliation

To file a claim of wrongful termination based on retaliation, an employee must prove that they participated in an action that is legally protected, experienced a negative consequence due to it (such as being fired), and demonstrate the connection between their action and the negative consequence.

Like discrimination cases, employers can respond to a claim by providing a valid reason for dismissal. In that case, an employee will have to provide further evidence that their termination was connected to a protected action. We advise our clients who suspect they may be subject to wrongful termination to start gathering evidence as soon as the suspicion arises.

What to Do if You Have Been Wrongfully Terminated in Corpus Christi?

Period for Filing a Claim

If you have been wrongfully terminated in Texas, you must claim within the stipulated period. Otherwise, your right to receive compensation for your termination can be forfeited.

The statute of limitations for wrongful termination cases starts on the date of termination. Generally, the statute of limitations for filing claims with either the EEOC or TWC is 180 days. However, depending on the nature of the case, extensions can be granted for up to 300 days from the date of termination.

Defending Your Wrongful Termination Case

For any wrongful termination claim, the employee must demonstrate that there was an employment relationship and provide evidence that their employer caused the employment to come to an end.

To cover up unlawful termination, employers may come up with seemingly non-discriminatory reasons for letting employees go. This is done to evade the negative repercussions of wrongful termination.

An employee needs to produce strong evidence proving their former employer had a clear intention to discriminate or retaliate against them to succeed in a wrongful termination case.

Speak with a Corpus Christi Wrongful Termination Lawyer at The Galo Law Firm

If you live in Corpus Christi, Texas and believe that you were fired unjustly due to discrimination, retaliation, or any other unlawful reason, The Galo Law Firm can help. Every employee is entitled to protection from wrongful termination. Not only is it wrong for employers to exploit their power and disregard the legal rights of employees, but it’s against the law.

At The Galo Law Firm, we can provide you with a team of reliable and knowledgeable wrongful termination lawyers to fight for your employee rights. We know how overwhelming wrongful termination can be.

Fortunately, our skilled employment lawyers in Corpus Christi, TX have been taking on wrongful termination lawsuits for over 30 years and know the ins and outs of employment law. Our employment lawyers will protect your best interests, guide you through the legal process, and assure you receive the maximum compensation for the damages endured.

Reach out to our law firm today for a no-cost initial case consultation and discuss your case with an experienced employment attorney. Call 210-361-8043.