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DFW Employment Law
Refusing to break the law should never get you fired.
Texas's Sabine Pilot rule and federal whistleblower laws protect employees who do the right thing — whether that means refusing to commit an illegal act or reporting fraud, safety violations, or other misconduct.
Under the Texas Sabine Pilot doctrine, an employer cannot fire you for the sole reason that you refused to perform an illegal act. Separate federal and state whistleblower laws protect employees who report fraud, safety hazards, securities violations, and other illegal conduct. If you were fired for doing the right thing, you may have a claim.
The Texas Sabine Pilot rule
Texas recognizes a narrow but important exception to at-will employment: under Sabine Pilot Service, Inc. v. Hauck, an employer cannot fire you if the sole reason is that you refused to perform an act that would be a criminal offense. If your boss told you to do something illegal, you said no, and you were fired for it, the law may protect you.
Other whistleblower protections
- Government and public employees are protected by the Texas Whistleblower Act when they report violations of law to an appropriate authority.
- Safety — OSHA and related laws protect workers who report unsafe conditions.
- Fraud — federal laws (such as the False Claims Act and Sarbanes-Oxley) protect employees who report fraud against the government or securities violations.
- Workers' compensation — Texas law protects employees fired for filing a workers' comp claim in good faith.
What to document
Keep a record of what you were asked to do, your refusal or report, who was involved, and the timeline that led to your firing. The closer the firing follows your refusal or report, the stronger the connection. We'll help you evaluate which protection fits your situation.
Do I have a case?
If any of this sounds familiar, let's talk.
- You were told to do something illegal, refused, and were then fired.
- You reported fraud, safety violations, or other illegal conduct and lost your job.
- You were fired after filing a workers' compensation claim.
- You're a public employee who reported a legal violation to an authority.
- The firing happened soon after you raised concerns.
Common questions
Straight answers.
What is the Sabine Pilot rule?
It's a Texas exception to at-will employment: an employer can't fire you when the sole reason is that you refused to commit an act that would be a crime. It's a narrow rule, but a powerful one when it applies.
Am I protected if I reported my employer?
It depends on what you reported and to whom. Public employees who report legal violations are protected by the Texas Whistleblower Act, and various federal laws protect employees who report fraud or safety violations. We can help identify which protection applies.
Does it count if I was fired for a workers' comp claim?
Yes — Texas law specifically protects employees who are fired in retaliation for filing a workers' compensation claim in good faith.
How quickly should I act?
Promptly. Whistleblower and retaliation claims carry deadlines that vary by the law involved, some quite short. A consultation can tell you which clock is running.
Areas we serve
Representing employees across Dallas–Fort Worth.
Serving employees across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. Charges for the DFW area are handled through the EEOC Dallas District Office and the Texas Workforce Commission.
Take the first step
The sooner you have counsel, the more options you have.
Reaching out today can change the outcome.