If you believe you were wrongfully terminated from your job in Dallas, taking timely action is critical. One of the most important legal concepts to understand is the statute of limitations—the deadline by which you must file a claim or risk losing your right to legal recourse.
Missing these deadlines can mean your case is dismissed no matter how strong it is. This post breaks down what the statute of limitations means, the deadlines you need to know for wrongful termination claims in Dallas and Texas, and why acting quickly can make all the difference.
What Is the Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. For wrongful termination cases, this means there’s a limited window after your termination to file claims with administrative agencies or courts.
The purpose of these deadlines is to ensure claims are made while evidence is fresh and to provide fairness and finality for employers.
Types of Claims and Their Deadlines
Wrongful termination claims can arise under different laws, each with its own statute of limitations. The two most common types of claims are:
Employment Discrimination and Retaliation Claims
Claims based on discrimination (race, gender, age, disability, religion, national origin) or retaliation (e.g., for reporting harassment or unsafe conditions) are typically filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division (TWC-CRD).
Breach of Contract or Other Common Law Claims
Claims based on breach of an employment contract or violation of public policy may be filed directly in court.
Filing Deadlines for Discrimination and Retaliation Claims
If you believe you were fired because of discrimination or retaliation, you generally must file a charge with the EEOC or the Texas Workforce Commission within 180 calendar days from the date of the alleged unlawful termination.
However, if your claim also falls under a state or local anti-discrimination law and you filed with a state or local agency, the deadline can extend up to 300 days.
Important:
The 180-day clock starts ticking from the date of termination.
If you miss this deadline, you usually lose the right to pursue your claim in court.
Filing Deadlines for Breach of Contract Claims
If your wrongful termination claim is based on a breach of contract—such as being fired in violation of an employment agreement—the statute of limitations is generally four years under Texas law.
This gives you a longer timeframe to file a lawsuit directly in Texas state court. However, it’s still best to act quickly because evidence can deteriorate over time.
Why You Should Act Quickly
Deadlines are strict. Courts and agencies rarely grant extensions or exceptions.
Evidence fades over time. Witnesses move or forget details, and documents may be lost.
Your attorney needs time. Early consultation allows proper case evaluation, investigation, and claim filing before deadlines expire.
You avoid financial hardship. The sooner you start the process, the sooner you may receive relief such as back pay or reinstatement.
What Happens After You File a Claim?
Once you file a charge with the EEOC or TWC, the agency will investigate the claim and may attempt to mediate a settlement between you and your employer.
If the agency finds probable cause or the case isn’t resolved, you may receive a “right to sue” notice, allowing you to file a lawsuit in court within a limited time frame (usually 90 days).
Tips to Protect Your Rights
Keep detailed records of your termination and related events.
File your charge with the EEOC or TWC promptly—don’t wait.
Consult with a Dallas wrongful termination attorney immediately to evaluate your options.
Understand that deadlines apply even if you are unsure about your claim’s strength.
Follow all procedural requirements carefully to avoid technical dismissals.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and respecting the statute of limitations is essential if you want to succeed in a wrongful termination claim in Dallas. While the legal timelines can be daunting, the right legal team can guide you through the process to ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
If you suspect your termination was unlawful, don’t delay. Contact an experienced Dallas employment attorney to discuss your case as soon as possible. Protecting your rights starts with timely action. We recommend wrongful termination lawyers Dallas.
