Getting fired is never easy—but sometimes, it’s more than just unfair. If your termination violated your legal rights, you may have a valid claim for wrongful termination. In Texas, where at-will employment is the standard, it can be difficult to determine when a firing crosses into illegal territory. Here are five warning signs that may indicate your employer broke the law.
1. You Were Fired After Reporting Discrimination or Harassment
If you recently filed a complaint about workplace discrimination, harassment, or unsafe working conditions and were fired shortly after, this could constitute illegal retaliation under both federal and Texas law.
2. You Were Treated Differently Than Others in Similar Roles
If you were singled out for termination while other employees with similar or worse performance remained employed, and you belong to a protected class (such as race, gender, age, disability, etc.), this may be evidence of unlawful discrimination.
3. The Reason for Your Termination Keeps Changing
If your employer has given inconsistent or vague explanations for your firing, it may suggest they are concealing an unlawful motive. Shifting stories or contradicting reasons can strengthen your legal argument.
4. You Were Fired After Taking Medical or Family Leave
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect employees who take authorized medical leave or request reasonable accommodations. If you were terminated after exercising these rights, you may have a valid wrongful termination claim.
5. You Were Let Go After Reporting Illegal Conduct (Whistleblowing)
Employees who report illegal activities—such as fraud, wage violations, or regulatory breaches—are protected under whistleblower laws. If your employer fired you in response to whistleblowing, that may constitute unlawful retaliation.
Wrongful termination in Texas happens more often than many people realize. If any of these red flags apply to your situation, speak with a qualified Houston employment attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation, reinstatement, or other legal remedies.