Laid off at work due to financial reasons but position replaced immediately?

Question

My husband was "laid off" due to his major accounts moving to another company because the company he was with crossed territory with a competing company that p'd some people off.
My husband's boss told him they had to "let him go" because they couldn't "afford" to keep him since his major account had gone elsewhere for business. Not my husband's problem.
People start calling him from the office saying they heard he was fired. And come to find out, they hired another salesman to take his place. My husband wants to get an attorney.
Can he do anything? He wasn't "fired." His boss had no complaints about his performance. And he is getting paid for 3 more weeks. What the heck happened.

Answer 1

If you're in a right to work state (Texas and many others) the company does not need a reason to let you go.

Answer 2

Most employment is at-will so it doesn't really matter what the reason is. Tell him to keep his head high, don't dog the past company to anyone, and just look for another job. Take the high road and move on. It might be the best thing that could have happened to him. He probably feels hurt right now, but stay positive and things will look up.

Answer 3

I would look into it at the least. Dept of labor would be my first call. As far as right to work state that does give companys the edge but I believe they still have to follow certain civil guidelines.

Answer 4

It's very dirty. But unless he can 1) prove discrimination based on age or race or 2) had a contract with his employer which his firing violates, there is nothing that can be done.

Answer 5

I'd file a complaint with the department of fair employment and housing. it's a first, required step to filing a suit.