To prove wrongful termination, an employee will first need to provide evidence that an employment relationship existed between them and their employer, and that their employer indeed terminated them or that their employment was “constructively” terminated.
Texas is an at-will state, meaning your employer can fire you for a good reason, bad reason or simply no reason at all. However, there are circumstances where termination may be illegal, and you can sue your employer for damages.
While multimillion awards are possible, it is crucial to keep in mind that federal laws limit the amount of punitive and compensatory damages awarded in cases involving wrongful termination. They cannot exceed $50,000 – $300,000, depending on the number of employees working for the employer's business.
Is there an average settlement in wrongful termination cases? Wrongful termination settlements are determined case-by-case. Workers who prevail in a wrongful termination claim often get awarded between $5,000 and $100,000 in compensation. However, each case is different.
Documentation plays a crucial role in bolstering a wrongful termination claim in Texas. Keeping records of employment contracts, performance evaluations, emails, and any incidents of discrimination or retaliation can provide valuable evidence to support your case.
First, you might have to file an administrative complaint with a government agency first. If the employer's reason for termination were unlawful, then the employee can bring a wrongful termination claim. This is even if the employee is an at-will employee.