Sabine Pilot FAQs: Odessa Wrongful Termination Attorneys

Odessa workers facing wrongful termination want to know what their legal options are. The challenge is finding Odessa employment lawyers with the experience and understanding of business and employment law to provide the assistance needed in situations involving termination.

The relationship between employers and workers in Texas functions under an established "employment at will" doctrine. Both workers and employers may change the conditions of their relationship at any time, with or without notice. However, there are certain exceptions to employment at will that allow illegally terminated workers to file an employment lawsuit.

For example, the Texas Supreme Court case of Sabine Pilot Services, Inc, v. Hauck established the right of a terminated employee to declare wrongful termination under a specific set of circumstances. Here are some Sabine Pilot FAQs that might help you determine if this doctrine applies to your situation:

• What did the Sabine Pilot case determine?
  In this case, a deckhand, Michael Hauck, claimed that his employer, Sabine Pilot, fired him because of his refusal to illegally pump the bilges of the ship on which he worked. Sabine Pilot Services testified that they terminated him for dereliction of duty. Based on the evidence, the Texas Supreme Court sided with Hauck and determined that Sabine Pilot fired him solely for his refusal to perform illegal acts. This case paved the way for others to file Sabine Pilot claims against their former employers.
• What are the employment laws in the State of Texas?
  Although Texas is an employment at will state, employers must still abide by state and federal laws protecting race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or citizenship, veteran status, and sexual orientation. There are also protections for those engaged in a variety of activities such as voting, jury duty, and military service.
• Are there exceptions to the "employment at will" doctrine?
  If a written and executed contract between employer and employee exists outlining the specific conditions of employment, then each party is bound to abide by those conditions.
• Do I have a wrongful termination case? Wrongful termination depends on the nature of your firing. The facts must point to a violation of the law, and this is often a difficult charge to prove. Getting the help of an experienced lawyer with extensive knowledge of employment law in Odessa is usually your best resource.

These are just a few Sabine Pilot FAQs to consider. Other Sabine Pilot FAQs to think about include:

• Do I have a time limit I must consider after I am terminated?
• What if I signed an agreement not to disclose the nature of my termination?
• Can I be reinstated to my job if my lawsuit is successful?
• Do I need the help of a lawyer?

These are just a few of the issues you may be considering after being terminated from your job. The Odessa wrongful termination attorneys of Carabin Shaw are prepared to answer these questions and more.

The lawyers of Carabin Shaw are among the best in Texas. We have helped countless individuals recover from wrongful termination. Some are seeking reinstatement, but we have also helped those wrongfully terminated recover back pay and compensation for mental anguish.

Because of the complexity of wrongful termination cases, we encourage you to schedule an initial consultation with one of our attorneys. This visit allows us to understand the circumstances of your situation better. Your first visit with us is free of charge and without obligation. Our conversation will give you a chance to ask any questions you may have and understand how we will help protect your rights as a worker in Odessa.

When you decide to let us represent you, we promise to protect your rights as we have for so many others. Additionally, because all of our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, we will not charge you until we win your case.

When you need an Odessa employment lawyer, call Carabin Shaw today at 432-242-2222 or toll-free at 1-800-862-1260.