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Unlawful Termination Attorney: Protecting Employee Rights in Texas

Being fired can be devastating—financially, emotionally, and professionally. But when that termination isn’t just unfair, but illegal, you have the right to fight back.

That’s where a skilled unlawful termination attorney comes in.

At The Lange Firm, we help wrongfully fired employees across Texas assert their rights, demand accountability, and recover what they’re owed. In this guide, we’ll explain what counts as unlawful termination, how to spot red flags, what steps to take, and how a dedicated employment lawyer can make all the difference in your case.

What Is Unlawful Termination in Texas?

Unlawful termination (also known as wrongful termination) happens when an employer fires someone in violation of state or federal law, an employment contract, or public policy.

In Texas, where employers generally have wide discretion under at-will employment, unlawful termination still exists in cases involving:

• Discrimination

• Retaliation

• Whistleblowing

• Breach of contract

• FMLA violations

• Protected activity

✅ If your employer fired you for reasons that violate the law, you may have grounds for legal action—with help from The Lange Firm.

Is Texas an At-Will Employment State?

Yes, Texas is an at-will employment state, which means:

• Employers can fire employees at any time

• For any reason or no reason at all

• As long as the reason is not illegal

This distinction is critical. While at-will employment gives employers flexibility, it does not give them the right to break the law.

Examples of Unlawful Termination

Not every unfair firing is illegal. But the following reasons may form the basis of a legal claim:

✅ 1. Discrimination

Firing based on:

• Race

• Religion

• Gender

• Age (40+)

• Disability

• Sexual orientation

• National origin

• Pregnancy

Violates both Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Texas Labor Code.

✅ 2. Retaliation

Termination after:

• Reporting harassment

• Filing a workers’ compensation claim

• Requesting accommodations

• Taking FMLA leave

• Participating in an internal investigation

Is illegal retaliation under federal and Texas law.

✅ 3. Breach of Contract

If you had a written agreement or implied promise of continued employment, firing may violate the terms of that contract.

✅ 4. FMLA Violations

Being terminated for taking protected family or medical leave violates the Family and Medical Leave Act.

✅ 5. Whistleblower Firing

If you reported illegal activity, fraud, or safety violations and were fired in response, you may be protected under:

• Texas Whistleblower Act (for public employees)

• Sarbanes-Oxley or OSHA (for private sector)

📌 An unlawful termination attorney can help determine whether your firing meets the legal standard for action.

What a Texas Unlawful Termination Attorney Does

An experienced attorney from The Lange Firm will:

• Evaluate your claim and explain your legal rights

• Gather evidence (emails, performance reviews, witness statements)

• File complaints with the EEOC or Texas Workforce Commission

• Negotiate a severance or settlement

• File a lawsuit in state or federal court, if necessary

• Represent you in hearings, mediations, or trial

Having legal representation levels the playing field—especially if your former employer has in-house counsel or a legal team.

Common Warning Signs of Illegal Firing

Red flags that your termination may have been unlawful include:

• Sudden discipline after you report harassment

• Negative reviews right after you take protected leave

• Vague or shifting explanations for your firing

• Termination shortly after filing a complaint or requesting accommodations

• Replacement by a younger, male, or different-race employee

• Lack of documentation for alleged misconduct

These patterns can help your attorney build a compelling narrative of retaliation or bias.

Steps to Take After Being Fired

1. Remain calm and ask for documentation

   • Request a written explanation or termination letter

2. Preserve evidence

   • Save emails, performance reviews, and texts

3. Request a copy of your personnel file

4. Avoid signing severance agreements until reviewed by a lawyer

5. Contact an unlawful termination attorney

   • The sooner you act, the stronger your case

⚠️ You have limited time to file legal complaints—often 180 days for discrimination claims in Texas.

Damages You May Recover

If you succeed in an unlawful termination claim, you may be entitled to:

• Back pay (lost wages and benefits)

• Front pay (future lost income)

• Emotional distress damages

• Reinstatement to your former position

• Attorney’s fees and court costs

• Punitive damages (in severe cases)

Every case is unique, but the potential for meaningful compensation is real.

How to Prove Unlawful Termination

You and your attorney must show:

• You engaged in protected activity or are part of a protected class

• The employer knew of that activity

• You were terminated soon after

• The stated reason for firing was false or pretextual

Timing, documents, and witness testimony all play critical roles.

At The Lange Firm, we know how to build a strategic case that connects the dots and makes your claim clear.

Why Choose The Lange Firm

We know how hard it is to be fired—especially when it’s illegal. That’s why The Lange Firm offers:

• Compassionate guidance from your first consultation

• Aggressive legal strategy built on decades of experience

• Flat-fee or contingency options in select cases

• Representation across Sugar Land, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and all of Texas

You shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone. We’re here to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are respected.

📞 Contact The Lange Firm today for a confidential consultation about your termination case.

Final Thoughts

So what is the role of an unlawful termination attorney?

✅ It’s to help you hold your employer accountable when they fire you for illegal reasons.
✅ It’s to ensure you’re not intimidated or silenced.
✅ And it’s to fight for fair compensation, dignity, and justice.

Let The Lange Firm be your ally in this moment. We’re ready to listen, investigate, and take action.