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Browse our 2 legal questions about Wrongful Termination in United States and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
Wrongful termination law in Southlake follows the same guidelines as the laws across the entire state of Texas and the United States. Wrongful termination means dismissal from a job that is in violation of legal prohibitions or the employer's contract. This could involve discrimination, retaliation, or breach of employment contract. Texas, including Southlake, follows the 'at-will' employment principle, which means either the employer or the employee can terminate employment at any time without reason. However, this doesn't justify dismissal based on unlawful reasons.
A lawyer is often a crucial resource when dealing with wrongful termination cases. You might need a lawyer if you have been fired and believe it's for a discriminatory reason (based on race, religion, gender, nationality, disability), in retaliation for asserting your rights (like reporting safety violations or requesting unpaid wages), or if your employer violated your contract. A wrongful termination lawyer can guide you through the complexities of your case, help you understand your rights, and advocate on your behalf in court.
In Southlake, local employment laws echo federal and state laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). These laws prevent employers from firing employees based on age, race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin. The Texas Labor Code also extends these protections to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. The Whistleblower Act also protects public employees in Southlake from being fired for reporting illegal activities within their organization.
Wrongful termination involves losing a job due to discrimination, retaliation, or the violation of an employment contract by your employer.
Yes, Texas, including Southlake, operates under the 'at-will' employment doctrine, meaning either party can terminate employment without cause. However, termination cannot be based on illegal reasons like discrimination or retaliation.
A lawyer can help you understand your rights, guide you through your case, negotiate a settlement with your employer, or represent you in court if necessary.
Initially, you must file a complaint with either the Texas Workforce Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If they are unable to resolve your case, they will issue a "Right to Sue" letter. You then have 90 days to file a lawsuit.
In some cases, you may be able to sue your employer for emotional distress. However, you must be able to prove that the emotional distress was caused by the employer's intentional or extremely reckless conduct.
For more information on wrongful termination laws in Southlake, you can check the following resources:
If you believe you've been wrongfully terminated, it's vital to consult a lawyer knowledgeable in employment law. Gather all relevant documents, including your employment contract, pay stubs, and any other correspondence related to your termination. File a complaint with appropriate organizations, like the Texas Workforce Commission or the EEOC, and continue working with your lawyer to pursue your case. Take note, you usually have a limited time to file your claim, so prompt action is key.
