Being fired is always difficult—but being fired illegally is something else entirely. If you believe your employer terminated you in violation of your rights, whether due to discrimination, retaliation, or a breach of contract, you may have a wrongful termination claim. But what you do in the hours, days, and weeks following your termination can significantly affect the strength of your case.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do immediately after being wrongfully terminated in Dallas, so you can protect your rights, preserve evidence, and prepare for the next steps.
1. Stay Calm and Professional (Even If You’re Angry)
It’s completely normal to feel shocked, angry, or embarrassed after being fired—especially if it’s unjust. But it’s important to stay composed in the moment, especially if you’re still on-site or speaking with HR.
Why it matters: Anything you say or do could be used against you later. Avoid confrontations, emotional outbursts, or rash decisions. Keep things polite and professional, even if your employer isn’t.
Tip: If you’re offered a termination letter, severance agreement, or anything to sign—don’t feel pressured to sign it on the spot. You have the right to take it home and review it, preferably with an attorney.
2. Ask for the Reason (and Get It in Writing, If Possible)
Texas is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can fire you for nearly any reason—or no reason at all. However, they cannot fire you for an illegal reason (such as discrimination, retaliation, or whistleblowing).
Ask your employer or HR:
- What’s the reason for my termination?
- Is this based on performance, behavior, or something else?
- Is this decision final?
Even if they don’t give you a written reason, noting what was said can help build your case. Inconsistencies in their explanation may later support your claim.
3. Preserve All Evidence
Now is the time to gather and protect everything that could support your wrongful termination claim. This includes:
- Emails between you and supervisors
- Performance reviews (especially positive ones)
- Witnesses to key conversations or events
- Text messages, voicemails, or internal chats
- Employee handbook or HR policies
- Any documentation related to complaints you made
If you reported discrimination, harassment, or illegal conduct, copies of those reports are critical.
Important: Don’t take proprietary company data or confidential customer lists. Focus on documents related to your employment, performance, and termination.
4. Write Down What Happened—While It’s Still Fresh
While your memory is clear, write a detailed timeline of events leading up to your termination. Include:
- Dates of complaints or reports you made
- Changes in your treatment at work (sudden write-ups, reassignment, exclusion)
- Any disciplinary meetings, conversations, or warning signs
- What was said during your termination meeting
- How your employer handled complaints (if any)
This timeline becomes a valuable reference for your attorney or when filing a complaint with the EEOC or Texas Workforce Commission.
5. Request Your Personnel File (If Applicable)
You may be able to request a copy of your personnel file, depending on company policy. This can include:
- Performance evaluations
- Disciplinary records
- Attendance logs
- Written policies you were expected to follow
Texas law does not require private employers to hand over personnel files, but many companies do voluntarily. It’s worth asking before legal proceedings begin.
6. Apply for Unemployment Benefits
If you were fired, you may still qualify for unemployment benefits in Texas—even if your employer says you were terminated “for cause.”
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will review both your and your employer’s explanations. If your termination was unfair or lacked justification, you may still be eligible.
Pro tip: If your employer contests your claim, be prepared to present documentation that shows you were wrongfully terminated or that the stated reason is untrue.
7. Don’t Wait to Take Legal Action
If you were fired for an illegal reason, time is not on your side. You must file a charge of discrimination or retaliation with the EEOC or Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division before you can pursue a lawsuit.
Deadlines can be as short as:
- 180 days under Texas law
- 300 days under federal law (in some cases)
The clock usually starts from the date of your termination, so it’s critical to act quickly.
8. Contact a Wrongful Termination Attorney in Dallas
A local employment lawyer can:
- Evaluate your case and determine whether the termination was unlawful
- Help you file the correct claims with the EEOC or TWC
- Represent you in settlement negotiations or a lawsuit
- Maximize the compensation you may be entitled to
This can include back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, and sometimes punitive damages.
Working with an attorney early helps ensure you don’t miss deadlines or overlook important evidence.
Final Thoughts
Being fired unjustly can be one of the most upsetting experiences of your career—but it doesn’t have to define your future. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, the steps you take in the first days and weeks can significantly impact your ability to seek justice.
By staying calm, documenting everything, and getting experienced legal help, you give yourself the best chance to not only hold your employer accountable but also move forward with clarity and confidence. We recommend wrongful termination lawyers Dallas.
