Was I wrongfully terminated? Car accident, retaliation, toxic workplace—need feedback

Location: USA, under 10 employee organization.

I’m looking for feedback or support from anyone with experience in toxic workplaces, employment law, or just navigating complex professional trauma.

I was recently fired in what I believe were fishy circumstances, following a traumatic event directly related to my job. The workplace was extremely toxic—high stress, fear-based management, manipulation, and inconsistent treatment of employees.

I ended up in a serious car accident that I now believe was caused by extreme, prolonged stress. I’d been working unsustainable hours (35 hours in three days), while also caring for my daughter who was very sick with a multi-week illness. That week, I repeatedly raised concerns about my workload—some of which I recorded because I have ADHD and use voice notes to stay organized. My concerns were ignored, and instead of getting help, I was disciplined.

I tried to be professional and offered to stay on for two months to help with the transition—especially because one of our clients was a major state contract. Instead, I was fired.

One of the people who fired me was my childhood best friend.

It’s hard to describe how painful that was—especially because, looking back, I may have already been suffering symptoms from a head injury at the time. My thinking was foggy. I was getting short in my tone. I wasn’t well. But instead of concern or care, I was met with coldness and blame. To make things worse, my employer canceled my health insurance the same day they terminated me. I’m now scared to seek treatment, both because of the cost and because I don’t know where to start.

I’ve kept a detailed timeline of events, and I have extensive documentation and recordings. In one, a colleague and I talk openly about how afraid we were to ask for time off. Since leaving, I’ve heard from five other former employees who described similar experiences—retaliation, emotional abuse, gaslighting. One called the company’s leader “a predator.” Another woman’s husband, a veteran and former police officer, took his own life—and shortly after, the company cut her hours to 10/week, essentially forcing her out. The emotional toll of that place was unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

I was a single mom trying to do my best, and I truly believed I was doing the right thing. Now I feel discarded, and I’m scared for my health and my future.

Does this sound like wrongful termination? Should I fight this? What would you do?