How to File a Sabine Pilot Wrongful Termination Lawsuit in El Paso

If you work in an at-will employment state, you run the risk of being fired at almost any point for virtually any reason. Fortunately, there are federal, state, and local restrictions on at-will employment, barring terminations for any reason. These restrictions give protections to workers in Texas, including the El Paso area.

If you believe your employer fired you illegitimately, you may want to speak with an experienced lawyer to determine if you have a strong case under the Sabine Pilot doctrine. This law ensures protection for employees who lost their jobs for refusing to participate in an illegal act. To learn more about how to file a Sabine Pilot wrongful termination lawsuit in El Paso and connect with El Paso employment lawyers, read on.

What is Wrongful Termination?

Wrongful termination occurs when an employer terminates an employee for reasons that go beyond federal, state, or local legislation. Some examples of wrongful termination situations include:

• Whistleblowing: Whistleblowing is the act of, in good faith, reporting a legal or ethical violation against the employer. Retaliating against whistleblowers is illegal. The Texas Whistleblower Act protects whistleblowers.
• Anti-discrimination laws: There are laws establishing the illegality of discrimination based on one’s sex, gender, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, age, and disability. Title VII is the primary federal anti-discrimination law.
• Breach of Contract: If the employer contracts the employee to be the at-will exception and then breaches this contract, the termination was illegitimate. The illegality of this will determine depending on state and local legislation.

These examples outline cases in which it would be wrong to fire an employee. It is good to note that there are employment law precedents distinct to each state, one of them being Sabine Pilot. If you have faced retaliation at work while participating in a protected activity, you may be eligible to sue. Speak with an experienced lawyer at Carabin-Shaw today to learn more.

Sabine Pilot Case

The Sabine Pilot doctrine comes from a 1985 Texas Supreme Court case. In this case, the employer, Sabine Pilot, asked the employee, Michael Hauck, to perform illegal acts while on the job. After Hauck refused, he suffered wrongful termination. The court ruled in favor of Hauck, setting a precedent that it is illegal to terminate an employee for his or her refusal to participate in unlawful activity. This case established protections for workers in Texas, including El Paso.

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated and think Sabine Pilot might apply to your case, do not hesitate to find a lawyer in your area today. A Carabin Shaw representative will let you know how to file a Sabine Pilot wrongful termination lawsuit in El Paso.

Filing a Claim

If you want to file a Sabine Pilot claim, it is essential to speak to the appropriate type of attorney for your El Paso employment law case. A legal professional may instruct you on what to do next for your lawsuit, such as gathering any files related to your employment and termination and noting any expenses. Wrongful termination has many adverse effects in both your professional and personal life.

When determining what wrongful termination lawsuit damages you may receive, the court weighs:

• Loss of wages: including present and future wages
• Impacts on future retirement
• Lost benefits: retirement, healthcare, etc.
• Personal distress: stress and other personal impacts

The average payout for a wrongful termination lawsuit in Texas is between $5,000 and $100,000.

Finding the Right Attorney

If you live in El Paso and are interested in receiving compensation for your wrongful termination, connect with the lawyers at Carabin Shaw. Our experienced professionals will answer any questions you have about how to file a Sabine Pilot wrongful termination lawsuit in El Paso.

At our firm, your first appointment is free, and we will not charge you any fees unless we win your case.

Call our office toll-free today at 800-862-1260 for a personal, no-obligation consultation. Our El Paso employment lawyers are waiting to help you figure out your next steps.

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