Have You Been Fired for Refusing to Commit an Illegal Act?

Have you been fired for refusing to commit an illegal act at work in Dallas? If so, you may wonder if Dallas employment law gives you any recourse against your former employer.

Employment law deems Texas as an "employment-at-will" state, which means that employees who work apart from a contract outlining the conditions of their employment may be fired for any reason and without explanation. This at-will condition also extends to an employee who may likewise leave his or her job without warning or cause.

But what happens when an employer directs a worker to commit illegal acts and then fires the employee if he or she refuses to comply? Can an employer essentially force an employee to do something that could result in criminal action against you and put your livelihood at risk? This precise scenario gave rise to what is known as the Sabine Pilot doctrine.

A legal case, Sabine Pilot Service, Inc. v. Hauck, came before the Texas Supreme Court in 1985. At the heart of this matter was the termination of a worker who declined to commit an illegal act and was subsequently fired. The court, while protecting the "employment-at-will" policy, determined that the actions of the employer violated the worker's rights if his refusal to commit a crime was the sole reason for his termination.

This judgment is why workers who pursue lawsuits after wrongful termination can file a Sabine Pilot claim. Because of the complex nature of this type of legal action, Dallas employment lawyers are often called upon to assist fired employees.

If you have been fired for refusing to commit an illegal act in Dallas, you may feel overwhelmed by your situation. Perhaps you are intimidated by your former employer or unsure about where to turn. Rest assured, Dallas employment law is on your side.

At Carabin Shaw, our attorneys believe everyone deserves to have a voice in the legal system and that employers who wrongfully terminate a worker for doing the right thing should be held accountable for their actions. We are here to help you stand firm.

Wrongful termination lawsuits are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. If you fail to initiate legal action within that period, you may forfeit any right you have to seek compensation under the law, which is why contacting a wrongful termination lawyer in Dallas immediately after being fired is essential. You do not want to lose valuable time in this process.

We encourage you to schedule a visit with one of the attorneys at Carabin Shaw as soon as possible. Your initial consultation with us is free of charge. All of our lawyers have extensive experience in wrongful termination cases and will take the opportunity during this first meeting to learn the details of your situation and gain an understanding of what we can do to support you moving forward.

If you have been fired for refusing to commit an illegal act, our team at Carabin Shaw is here to help amplify your voice and pursue justice on your behalf. Though each case is different, you could receive compensation for lost wages, potential future wages, or even reinstatement to your job, if appropriate. We know that losing a job can place stress on your finances, so we will not charge you unless we win your case.

The Dallas employment lawyers at the law offices of Carabin Shaw are ready to help. You may contact us at any time to begin your journey to recovery. You can also be assured we will be your partner in seeking justice for your situation.

Start feeling empowered. Call us today, and let one of our attorneys get to work for you. In Dallas, call toll-free at 800-862-1260.