Before proceeding, please review the  legal disclaimer.

Can You Get Fired for Suing Your Employer in Texas? Know Your Rights

Taking legal action against your employer isn’t easy—but sometimes it’s the only way to stand up for your rights. Whether you’re suing for discrimination, unpaid wages, wrongful termination, or harassment, you may be wondering:
Can you get fired for suing your employer?

The short answer? No—it’s illegal to be fired in retaliation for filing a lawsuit or asserting your rights.

Still, some employers don’t play by the rules. That’s why it’s critical to understand the law, your rights as a Texas employee, and how an experienced employment attorney can protect you if you’re taking legal action.

What Is Retaliation?

Retaliation occurs when an employer takes negative action against you because you exercised your legal rights. That includes:

• Filing a lawsuit against your employer
  
  
• Reporting discrimination, harassment, or wage violations
  
  
• Cooperating with a workplace investigation
  
  
• Requesting accommodations for a disability or medical condition
  
  
• Taking protected leave (e.g., FMLA)
  
  
• Filing a complaint with the EEOC or TWC
  
  

If you’re fired, demoted, disciplined, or harassed because of these actions, your employer may be violating state and federal retaliation laws.

Federal and State Laws That Protect You

Multiple laws protect Texas workers from retaliation:

✅ Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

Prohibits retaliation for reporting or suing for race, sex, religion, or national origin discrimination.

✅ Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Protects workers who sue for unpaid wages or overtime.

✅ Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Protects employees who request or use protected medical leave.

✅ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Prohibits retaliation against workers who request accommodations or sue for disability discrimination.

✅ Texas Labor Code Chapter 21

Mirrors federal protections at the state level and gives you a second legal path to pursue a retaliation claim.

So, Can You Get Fired for Suing Your Employer?

Legally, no. Your employer cannot fire you simply because you filed a lawsuit against them or are asserting your workplace rights.

But that doesn’t mean some employers won’t try to:

• Cover it up by saying it’s about performance or restructuring
  
  
• Push you out by changing your job, cutting your hours, or creating a hostile environment
  
  
• Deny promotions or access to important projects
  
  
• Harass or isolate you from coworkers
  
  

These are all forms of retaliation—and they’re illegal under both state and federal law.

Signs of Retaliation After Suing Your Employer

Watch out for these red flags after taking legal action:

• Sudden negative performance reviews after filing a lawsuit
  
  
• Being left out of meetings or communications
  
  
• Reassignment to a less desirable role or shift
  
  
• Increased scrutiny or micromanagement
  
  
• Verbal harassment or threats from supervisors or colleagues
  
  
• Termination or forced resignation
  
  

If any of these happen after you sue or file a complaint, it’s time to talk to a lawyer.

What Should You Do If You’re Retaliated Against?

1. Document Everything

Write down incidents of retaliation, with dates, names, and specific actions taken. Save emails, texts, or memos that could support your claim.

2. Request HR or Management Review

Follow your company’s internal process to report retaliation in writing.

3. File a Complaint with the EEOC or TWC

If the retaliation involves discrimination or harassment, file a formal complaint.

4. Speak to a Retaliation Attorney

An employment lawyer can help you protect your rights, stop the retaliation, and even add new claims to your case.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Retaliation Case?

If you were fired or retaliated against for suing your employer, you may be entitled to:

How The Lange Firm Can Help

At The Lange Firm, we help Texas employees stand up to retaliation and employer misconduct. If you were punished or fired after filing a lawsuit or complaint, we’re ready to fight for you.

We can help you:

• Assess whether you have a strong retaliation claim
  
  
• File complaints with the EEOC, TWC, or Department of Labor
  
  
• Negotiate settlements or take your case to court
  
  
• Recover compensation and clear your name
  
  
• Ensure your employer is held accountable
  
  

📞 Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can protect your rights and your future.

Final Thoughts

Can you get fired for suing your employer? Not legally. But that doesn’t stop some companies from trying. If you’re being mistreated for standing up for yourself, it’s time to push back—with the law on your side.

✅ You have rights. You deserve respect. And you don’t have to go through this alone.