You didn’t deserve to lose your job—not like that. One day, you’re showing up on time, working hard, meeting expectations. The next, you’re out. No warning or reason that makes sense. Just a sinking feeling that something isn’t right.
If you suspect your firing violated the law, you’re not alone, and you may have legal options. An experienced Austin wrongful termination lawyer can help you figure out what happened, what your rights are, and what compensation your employer may owe you.
At King & Siegel LLP, we represent employees across Texas who have been wrongfully terminated for discriminatory, retaliatory, or illegal reasons. Our Austin employment lawyers include graduates of Harvard, Columbia, and NYU, trained at the nation’s top litigation firms. We exclusively represent workers and offer free consultations to help you determine the best course of action.
What Counts as Wrongful Termination in Texas?
Texas is an “at-will” employment state, meaning your employer can fire you for almost any reason, or no reason at all. However, not every reason for a termination is legal. Federal and state laws protect you from being fired due to discrimination, retaliation, or under other unlawful circumstances.
You may have a claim for wrongful termination if your employer fired you:
- Because of your race, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or Texas Labor Code rules;
- After reporting sexual harassment or workplace misconduct;
- In retaliation for taking protected medical or family leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA);
- For reporting illegal conduct, fraud, or unsafe working conditions (i.e., whistleblower retaliation);
- After requesting a workplace accommodation for pregnancy or disability; or
- Because you refused to engage in unlawful behavior requested by a supervisor.
A knowledgeable Austin wrongful termination lawyer from King & Siegel can help you understand which statutes apply to your case and what remedies are available.
How Do I Know If My Firing Was Illegal?
Sometimes, your employer’s stated reason for letting you go is a smokescreen. Here are a few signs your termination might actually be unlawful:
- Your employer fired you shortly after you reported harassment or discrimination,
- Your employer abruptly fired you even though you received good performance reviews,
- Your employer replaced you with someone outside your protected class,
- Your employer punished you after requesting leave or accommodations,
- You experienced escalating hostility or exclusion before termination, or
- You heard comments suggesting bias or discriminatory intent.
One of our skilled employment attorneys can investigate to uncover evidence of pretext, interview witnesses, and build a case that reveals the truth.
What Can an Austin Wrongful Termination Lawyer Do for Me?
An Austin wrongful termination lawyer can help you:
- Determine whether your firing violated state or federal law,
- Calculate your potential damages,
- Negotiate directly with your employer or opposing counsel,
- File a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Texas Workforce Commission,
- Initiate a civil lawsuit if we can’t resolve your case informally, and
- Help you obtain non-monetary relief, such as reinstatement or policy change.
We understand that litigation can feel overwhelming. That’s why we approach every case with proactive, personalized care. We handle the paperwork and the strategy, working to reduce your stress in the process.
What Damages Can King & Siegel LLP Help Me Recover?
Compensation in a wrongful termination case can vary depending on the facts. You may be entitled to:
- Back pay—including wages, bonuses, and benefits lost between termination and settlement or trial;
- Front pay—future lost earnings if reinstatement isn’t possible;
- Emotional distress damages—money for the pain, anxiety, or harm caused by the firing;
- Punitive damages—if your employer acted with malice or gross misconduct; and
- Attorney fees and costs—so you don’t have to pay out of pocket to fight for your rights.
If your employer violated state or federal anti-retaliation laws, courts could also impose additional penalties. We can help you document losses, preserve evidence, and build the strongest case possible for maximum compensation.
What Steps Should I Take If My Employer Fired Me Illegally?
Don’t wait to take action. Wrongful termination cases are time-sensitive, and specific claims have short deadlines (as little as 180 days to file with the EEOC). Here’s what you should do right away:
- Request a copy of your personnel file and termination paperwork;
- Document everything, including emails, texts, reviews, and the timeline leading to your firing;
- Avoid signing severance agreements before speaking to an attorney;
- Write down what you believe motivated your termination and who may have witnessed key events; and
- Consult a wrongful termination lawyer at King & Siegel as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
If you act quickly, you can hold your employer accountable and protect your professional future.
Why Do Austin Workers Choose King & Siegel LLP?
At King & Siegel, we’ve built a reputation for taking on powerful companies and getting results for workers quietly, quickly, and when needed, aggressively. Employees trust us because:
- Our cases have been featured in The Washington Post, Bloomberg Law, NPR, and The Guardian;
- We’ve won high-stakes lawsuits against major employers in tech, media, finance, and government;
- We are Super Lawyers Rising Stars, with a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating;
- We trained at top national firms, including Harvard Law School, NYU, and Columbia;
- We offer free 30-minute consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win;
- We speak Spanish, and our team is culturally attuned to Austin’s diverse workforce; and
- We litigate with strategy, heart, and total focus on your long-term outcome.
Whether your case is resolved through negotiation or needs to go all the way to trial, we’ll be in your corner from day one.
Need a Wrongful Termination Lawyer? Austin Firm King & Siegel LLP Will Fight for You
Being wrongfully fired can shake your sense of purpose and your financial stability. But you don’t have to navigate this crisis alone. When you need a compassionate, relentless wrongful termination lawyer, Austin firm King & Siegel can help you take control of your future. Contact us now to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen, investigate, and, if your employer violated your rights, we’ll help you fight back.