San Antonio Sabine Pilot Attorney | Fired for Refusing an Illegal Act

If you were fired from your San Antonio job for refusing to commit a crime, you may have a Sabine Pilot claim. Texas law prohibits employers from terminating employees solely because they refused to perform an illegal act — and a San Antonio Sabine Pilot attorney can help you recover lost wages and damages. With 28 years experience, employment attorney Jack Nichols has represents Bexar County employees. San Antonio’s distinctive economy creates situations where employees face pressure to falsify records, ignore regulations, or participate in fraud.

What Is the Sabine Pilot Doctrine?

In Sabine Pilot Service, Inc. v. Hauck, 687 S.W.2d 733 (Tex. 1985), the Texas Supreme Court recognized a narrow but important exception to the at-will employment doctrine: an employer cannot terminate an employee solely because the employee refused to perform an illegal act. This is one of the very few situations in Texas where an at-will employee can sue for wrongful termination without a contract or a discrimination statute. To win a Sabine Pilot claim in San Antonio, you must prove:

• Your employer demanded that you perform a specific act
• That act was required by law to be a criminal offense
• You refused to perform the illegal act
• You were terminated solely because of that refusal

The “solely” requirement is strict. Contact a San Antonio Sabine Pilot attorney immediately after termination to preserve evidence before it disappears.

San Antonio Industries Where Sabine Pilot Claims Arise

San Antonio’s economy includes several industries where employees regularly face pressure to cut corners, falsify records, or participate in regulatory violations.

Examples of Illegal Acts That May Support a San Antonio Sabine Pilot Claim

The act must be one that is required by law to be a criminal offense — not merely unethical. Examples common in San Antonio’s industries that may qualify include:

• Submitting fraudulent Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE billing claims
• Filing false reports with state or federal agencies
• Participating in procurement fraud on federal or state government contracts

The “Solely” Requirement — Why Evidence Matters

Texas courts apply the “solely” requirement strictly. To protect your claim:

• Preserve all performance reviews, commendations, and positive feedback received before the refusal
• Document the demand itself — the date, who made it, exactly what was asked, and your response
• Note the timeline: how many days passed between your refusal and your termination
• Identify any witnesses who observed the demand or your refusal

Close timing between refusal and termination is powerful circumstantial evidence. San Antonio attorney Jack Nichols can help you evaluate the strength of your evidence and build your claim.

Filing Deadlines for San Antonio Sabine Pilot Claims

Sabine Pilot claims are common law tort claims brought directly in Texas state or federal court — they are not filed with the EEOC or TWC. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of termination. Do not wait — documents get destroyed and witnesses move on. Contact a San Antonio Sabine Pilot attorney as soon as possible after your termination.

What Damages Can a San Antonio Employee Recover?

• Back pay — lost wages and benefits from the date of termination
• Front pay — future lost earnings if reinstatement is not feasible
• Compensatory damages for out-of-pocket losses
• Mental anguish damages
• Exemplary (punitive) damages — available in Sabine Pilot cases
• Attorney’s fees in some circumstances

Frequently Asked Questions — San Antonio Sabine Pilot Claims

I work as a civilian contractor and was asked to falsify test results on a government deliverable. I refused and was terminated shortly after. Do I have a claim?

Falsifying test results on a government contract deliverable may constitute fraud against the United States under the False Claims Act, in addition to state criminal law. If your civilian employer is a private defense contractor, you may have both a Texas Sabine Pilot claim and potential federal whistleblower protections. Contact a San Antonio Sabine Pilot attorney immediately to evaluate both options given the close timing between your refusal and termination.

I work in healthcare in San Antonio and was asked to falsify a Medicare billing record. I refused and was fired two weeks later. What are my options?

Falsifying Medicare billing records is a federal crime under the False Claims Act. You may have both a Sabine Pilot wrongful termination claim under Texas law and potential federal False Claims Act whistleblower protections, which can entitle you to a percentage of the government’s recovery. Contact an attorney immediately — the two-year Sabine Pilot deadline begins running from your termination date.

My San Antonio employer claims I was fired for cause, but the termination happened right after I refused to do something illegal. What should I do?

Document everything immediately — the demand, your refusal, any witnesses, and the timeline. Gather positive performance reviews and favorable communications from before the refusal. The closer the termination followed your refusal, the stronger the circumstantial evidence of causation. Attorney Jack Nichols can evaluate your specific facts and advise you on next steps.

Why Choose Jack Nichols as Your San Antonio Sabine Pilot Attorney

• 28 years exclusively representing Texas employees — never employers
• Former attorney at the Texas Attorney General’s Office / Texas Workforce Commission
• Licensed in the Western District of Texas (San Antonio Division)
• Member: State Bar of Texas Labor & Employment Section; Texas Employment Lawyers Association (TELA)
• Contingency fee basis — no fee unless we win
• Serving employees throughout San Antonio, Bexar County, New Braunfels, Seguin, Kerrville, Laredo, Del Rio, and all of South and Central Texas