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What the Sabine Pilot Ruling Means for Dallas Claims

Although Texas is an at-will employment state, there are restrictions. At-will employment means that an employer can terminate an employee at any time for almost any reason. A considerable limitation of at-will employment is the Sabine Pilot doctrine. Sabine Pilot is state-wide protection that includes Dallas workers. It protects workers from being terminated after refusing to participate in illegal acts.

Understanding Sabine Pilot can help you understand what the Sabine Pilot ruling means for Dallas claims. If you believe you have suffered from wrongful termination, we urge you to speak to a lawyer today.

What is Sabine Pilot?

Sabine Pilot is a doctrine that comes from a 1985 Texas Supreme Court case. In this case, the employer, Sabine Pilot, asked an employee to pump bilges from a boat into the waterway. The employee knew this was illegal, so he refused to participate. After his refusal, Sabine Pilot fired him. The case eventually reached the Texas Supreme Court, which declared that the employee’s termination was illegal. Furthermore, it set a precedent under Dallas employment law that it is unlawful to fire an employee after he or she refuses to participate in knowingly illegal activities. It protects workers from wrongful retaliation.

Retaliation occurs when an employee faces negative consequences regarding their job as a result of reporting a legal violation against the employer, refusing sexual advances from a co-worker or supervisor, or making a discrimination claim. Essentially, it happens when an employee engages in a federal or state-protected activity and is then reprimanded for doing so. Retaliation can take many forms besides termination—it can include a decrease in pay, job reassignment, or a demotion.

Understanding the Sabine Pilot doctrine is vital for Dallas employees because it protects them in an at-will employment state. Under Sabine Pilot, an employer cannot force an employee to participate in illegal activities or retaliate against them for their refusal. If you have faced wrongful retaliation by your employer, connect with Dallas employment lawyers today. The attorneys at Carabin Shaw are well-versed in employment law and will make your case heard.

Sabine Pilot and Employment Law

Employment law is a branch of law that focuses on the validity of firings, retaliation, and hiring processes. Although Texas is an at-will employment state, there are federal, state, and local restrictions that work to protect Texas employees. As mentioned, Sabine Pilot is a major restriction for at-will employment. Other limitations include:

  • Anti-Discrimination policies: It is illegal to during any point of employment to discriminate against someone due to their age, race, color, gender, national origin, or disability.
  • Texas Whistleblower Act: This act protects those who, in good faith, have reported a legal violation against their employer. Punishing whistleblowers is illegal.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA is an organization that ensures safe work environments and proper wages.

If you’re wondering what the Sabine Pilot ruling means for Dallas claims, you should know that it protects workers from being punished for refusing to commit an unlawful act. If your employer fired you under these circumstances, a wrongful termination attorney in Dallas is eager to hear your case.

Making a Sabine Pilot Claim

If you are interested in filing a Sabine Pilot claim, contact a lawyer immediately. Ensure that you are getting the right help by connecting with Dallas employment lawyers at Carabin Shaw. By utilizing the right type of attorney, you will get the appropriate help. The statute of limitations for a Sabine Pilot claim is two years, but you should connect with an attorney as soon as possible. At Carabin Shaw, we will work with you to figure out your next steps.

What the Sabine Pilot ruling means for Dallas claims is that workers do have some protection, even in an at-will state. It means that not all firings are legal and that you have a right to fight against them.

If you are in need of an employment lawyer in Dallas, contact Carabin Shaw today. Your first meeting with us is free, and we will not charge you unless we win your case.

Call us toll-free today at 800-862-1260. We are waiting to hear from you.


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