Refusal to do Something Illegal: Employee Rights in Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi workers fired for refusing to commit an illegal act often feel as though they have little recourse. Under state and Corpus Christi employment law, all employment is “at-will,” which means the professional relationship between an employer and an employee may sever at any time, for any reason, and with no explanation required.

Some businesses will use this “employment at will” doctrine as an excuse to coerce workers into committing illegal acts and then fire them if they refuse to do so. Many terminated workers do not realize they do have legal protections after a wrongful termination.

In the mid-’80s, the case of Sabine Pilot v. Hauck came before the Texas Supreme Court. In this case, the company Sabine Pilot fired Michael Hauck for his refusal to commit an illegal act. The employer attempted to hide under the protection of the Texas employment law. While the court upheld the state’s current employment laws, it determined the “employment at will” doctrine did not give the employer the right to fire a worker for refusing to perform a criminal act. It ruled that if the refusal to commit a crime was the sole reason for the employee’s termination, the “employment at will” policy did not protect the employer.

Other workers have pursued Sabine Pilot claims, but, in many cases, employers attempt to smear the fired worker in an attempt to work around the Sabine Pilot doctrine. The tension between the company and the former employee is why Corpus Christi employment lawyers are so helpful. An expert attorney can assist a wrongfully terminated worker with the legal issues he or she is experiencing.

Wrongful termination lawyers in Corpus Christi help workers after their employers fire them for refusing to perform an unlawful act. These workers often feel intimated, ashamed, and without a place to turn. They wonder if they will be able to find gainful employment again.

After your refusal to do something illegal, employee rights in Corpus Christi protect you. No worker should lose his or her job for doing what is ethical, and no worker who stood up for what is right should be retaliated against or intimidated by their former employer. Our staff of experienced attorneys in Corpus Christi is ready to get to work protecting your rights.

At Carabin Shaw, we understand the incredible stress and pressure you may feel after wrongful termination. You are concerned about your livelihood, how you will care for your family and loved ones, and your reputation. Our Corpus Christi employment lawyers can help people who are out of work for doing what is right get the compensation they deserve.

After your refusal to do something illegal, employee rights in Corpus Christi are clear, and our commitment is to make sure the law is upheld in your favor. Your first step toward holding your former employer accountable for breaking the law is calling a Carabin Shaw attorney to set up a consultation.

Your first visit with us is free of charge and carries no obligation. This appointment helps us learn about your situation and lets us explain how we can help you during this difficult time. You can also rest knowing that anything we discuss, even if we don’t represent you, is kept in the strictest confidence.

When you do decide to let us represent you, we will put our experience and extensive knowledge of employment law to work on your behalf. Our lawyers will work hard to secure fair compensation to you that could include lost wages, potential future wages, and, if appropriate, reinstatement. The bottom line is that we will not stop until we are successful in winning your case, and we will not charge you any fees until that happens.

At Carabin Shaw, we want you to know that after your refusal to do something illegal, employee rights in Corpus Christi protect you. If you are wrongfully terminated and need legal assistance in Corpus Christi, call our law offices today, toll-free, at 800-862-1260.