Fired after medical emergency and ambulance ride - TWC denial or approval?

omg that's crazy! they can't fire u for having a medical emergency, pretty sure that's illegal

That's what I thought too! My employer is saying I should have called before the ambulance came. Like, sorry I was unconscious??

You should definitely qualify for unemployment in this case. Under TWC rules, you were not fired for misconduct, which is what would disqualify you. A medical emergency that prevents you from working is not misconduct. Make sure you clearly explain in your TWC application that you had a documented medical emergency and were physically unable to provide notice before being transported to a hospital. Have documentation ready - ambulance receipt, hospital admission papers, doctor's note if possible. Your employer will likely contest it, but you have a strong case.

Thank you for the detailed advice! I've got all the hospital paperwork and ambulance bill. Should I upload those documents to my TWC account now or wait until they request them?

Go ahead and upload them now through your TWC portal under

did you work there long enough to qualify? TWC requires you to have earned wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period

Yes, I was with the company for almost 3 years before this happened.

I went through something similar but mine was for having to leave suddenly when my mom had a heart attack. My employer tried to claim job abandonment but TWC approved me because I HAD called (though sounds like you physically couldn't). The TWC determination letter specifically said \

I used Claimyr too after trying for literally 2 weeks to get thru. Got connected in like 20 mins. Best money I ever spent lol

Thank you for sharing your experience and the resource! I've been trying to call TWC for days with no luck. I'll definitely check out that service because I need to get this resolved ASAP. My bills are piling up.

YOU NEED TO APPEAL THIS! The TWC is AWFUL about siding with employers initially, but appeals are where REAL PEOPLE actually look at your case!!! I got denied initially for something similar (medical issue) and won on appeal. Don't give up if they deny you the first time!!!!

That's good to know. I haven't received a determination yet, but I'll definitely appeal if they deny me. How long did your appeal process take?

there's a box on the twc application where you explain why you lost your job make sure u put all the details there about passing out and 911 and everything. my cousin got approved after a heart attack at work so u should be fine

You should absolutely qualify for benefits in this situation. Under Texas Workforce Commission rules, leaving work due to a documented medical emergency does not constitute misconduct or voluntary resignation. The key elements that will help your case:\n\n1. Document the medical emergency with hospital records and ambulance transport information\n2. Verify you contacted your employer as soon as you were physically able\n3. Request a detailed separation letter from your employer that specifically states their reason for termination\n\nWhen you receive your Determination Letter from TWC, review it carefully. If they deny your initial claim (which happens fairly often in contested cases), immediately file an appeal within the 14-day window.\n\nFor the appeal hearing, organize your evidence chronologically and be prepared to clearly explain why you were physically unable to provide notice. The burden of proof is on the employer to demonstrate misconduct, and a medical emergency is considered a compelling personal reason for leaving work.\n\nGood luck, and don't get discouraged if there's an initial denial. The appeals process often corrects these situations.

Thank you so much for this detailed information! I'll make sure I have all my documentation organized. I did text my supervisor from the hospital once I was conscious and stable, but they didn't respond until the next day when they told me I was terminated.

That text message is extremely important evidence. Make sure you save screenshots showing the timestamp. This helps establish that you notified them at your first opportunity, which further strengthens your case that this wasn't job abandonment.

My bf got fired for something kinda similar and his employer lied on the twc paperwork saying he quit. make sure u check what they tell twc!!!

That's a really good point. Is there a way to see what my employer is claiming on their end?

Just to update my earlier comment - I want to emphasize that what your employer is doing likely violates other labor protections too. Medical emergencies may also qualify for protection under FMLA (if you've worked there over a year and they have 50+ employees) or possibly even ADA depending on your condition. While those are separate from your unemployment claim, it's worth knowing your employer's actions might be problematic on multiple fronts.\n\nFor your immediate TWC claim, make sure you use the exact terminology of \

This is incredibly helpful - thank you. I did use the term \

Yes, you might have a valid FMLA claim since you meet the requirements. You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. This would be separate from your unemployment claim, but could potentially help with getting your job back or receiving compensation if they find your termination violated FMLA protections.

good luck with TWC, mine took 5 weeks to get approved 😩