Don’t Sign Away Your Rights and Other Tips After a Layoff

Losing your job can be devastating in many different ways. After you’ve been terminated, you might feel hurt, angry and worried about your ability to support yourself financially. In times like this, it’s often difficult to make thoughtful decisions, but the choices you make in the hours, days and weeks after a dismissal could have a profound effect on your legal rights.

Speaking with a knowledgeable employment lawyer is a good way to learn about your legal options in a calm, supportive environment. They can give you personalized advice based on your particular situation. There are also some general guidelines that can help you safeguard your rights, such as: 

  • Don’t sign a waiver without consulting a lawyer — In the heat of the moment, employers may present severance agreements or releases that waive your rights to future claims. These offers can be very tempting at an emotional time, especially if you’ll receive payment or extended health insurance coverage in exchange for signing. Don’t sign on the spot. You should have at least a few weeks to make a decision, and in that time, your attorney can explain any fine print and confirm you’re not unintentionally forfeiting your legal options, especially if you suspect bias or retaliation played a role in your termination.

  • Document everything — Save copies of all correspondence, performance reviews, termination notices and any written reasons for your dismissal. These records can be indispensable if your former employer tries to create a pretextual explanation for a wrongful termination. 

  • Make your COBRA designation within 60 days — If your workplace provided health insurance, federal law lets you continue coverage under COBRA—but you must elect it within 60 days of your last day on the job. Missing this deadline could leave you uninsured until you find a new policy. Even if COBRA premiums feel steep, keep your options open while you shop for alternative coverage.

  • Apply for unemployment benefits — Though it won’t replace all of the income you’ve lost, filing for benefits through the Texas Workforce Commission can help you meet urgent financial needs and won’t compromise your ability to obtain legal relief if your layoff violated the law. 

Taking measured, informed steps after a job loss can protect your rights and set you up for a stronger next chapter. If you have questions or need representation, our experienced employment team at Kardell Law Group is ready to help.