Getting fired or penalized for a family emergency can sound drastic and unfair, but it is possible. Have in mind that firings and penalties may not even be based on a personal decision against you. Some employers do not provide support for family emergencies and lack of funding, some are understaffed, or don’t have corporate policy for these situations.
However if you suspect you were wrongfully terminated, you might want to look into the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) by the United States of America Department of Labor. This act was designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities by allowing them to take reasonable unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. It also seeks to accommodate the legitimate interests of employers and promote equal employment opportunity for men and women. This could help you can contest for the proper benefits from your employer.