In the United States, all workers are considered employees at will. This means that at any time, both the employee and the employer can end the employment relationship without prior notice and for any reason. This rule has its exceptions, of course; for example, if the termination violates a public policy such as discrimination, retaliation against the worker, or for violating the terms of a contract.
In this sense, federal and state laws make it illegal for an employer to dismiss a worker for being pregnant, which is considered a type of employment discrimination based on sex. Therefore, it is an unjustified or unfair dismissal, with chances of filing a wrongful termination complaint.
The Texas Labor Commission, Civil Rights Division has the authority to investigate and resolve these claims and provides an avenue for joint work with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, EEOC, to resolve situations regarding the rights of Texan employees.
At this point, it is worth mentioning the importance of having the services of a lawyer to guide you so that you can handle the claim process successfully. It is necessary to analyze the situation, evaluate the best options, collect the documentation, comply with the procedures and periods established to achieve the compensation you deserve.
The compensation for wrongful termination varies according to the specific characteristics of the case and the accumulated damages. Generally, it includes benefits such as:
- Lost wages. It refers to any payment that should have been received from being employed; it also includes the payment of the difference if you have a new job that pays less.
- Lost benefits. Such as health coverage, savings, pension plans, reimbursements, or others.
- Medical expenses: for changes in medical coverage, treatment of emotional distress, or other effects of the dismissal.
- Job search costs.
- Compensation for pain and suffering.
