Texas – Fired For “time Theft” While Completing Ada Paperwork With Therapist After Returning From Fmla. Could This Be Ada/fmla Retaliation?

Location: Texas

I’m trying to understand whether my termination could raise issues under the ADA or FMLA.

Here’s the basic timeline:

• Earlier in 2025 I took FMLA leave for medical reasons.
• Before returning to work, I contacted HR to begin the ADA accommodation process so I would have support in place when I came back.
• HR did not provide the ADA paperwork until the day before I returned to work.
• During the return-to-work meeting, HR said accommodations might not be possible due to business needs and that termination could occur if accommodations couldn’t be approved.

I returned to work without accommodations in place.

To complete the forms, I met with my therapist during a scheduled appointment so we could fill them out together.

After the appointment ended, I messaged my supervisor the same day explaining that my metrics might look unusual because I had spent time completing ADA paperwork with my therapist.

The next day management escalated the situation as “time theft.”

Shortly afterward I submitted the completed ADA paperwork and medical certification.

The day before I was terminated, HR emailed me saying they would continue the ADA interactive process.

Then I was terminated for “time theft” before any accommodation decision was made.

During the termination call the employer acknowledged that it was not my intention to steal time.

They offered a small severance package if I signed a separation agreement.

My question:

Could terminating an employee while the ADA interactive process is still ongoing, based on time spent completing ADA paperwork with a medical provider that was disclosed to the employer, potentially support a claim for ADA retaliation, failure to engage in the interactive process, or FMLA retaliation?

I’m trying to understand whether the timing of these events raises legal issues or if employers typically have broad discretion in situations like this.

Any insight would be appreciated.