Fort Worth Discrimination Attorneys
Seeking Compensation for Discrimination in the Workplace — Tarrant County Discrimination Lawyer
The emotional and financial impact of workplace discrimination on an employee can be overwhelming, but state and federal laws protect workers from discrimination on-the-job and during the hiring process. Despite these laws, employment discrimination still occurs when companies disregard their legal obligations toward employees and potential hires. When employees use anti-discrimination laws to hold employers accountable for unethical and illegal conduct toward employees, they not only can obtain compensation but also protect other employees and prospective hires from such treatment.
At FH Law Group, our experienced Fort Worth workplace discrimination attorneys recognize that sometimes meritless allegations of discrimination are alleged based on improper motives or misunderstandings. The disruption and costs associated with lawsuits arising from false allegations of discrimination can be difficult enough without even considering the specter of a judgment. Because the lawyers at FH Law Group have handled numerous trials, they have the expertise, litigation skills, and experience to effectively represent employees and employers in workplace discrimination cases.
Discrimination Claims Under Texas Employment Law
Under Texas law, employers are prohibited from treating actual or prospective employees differently based on their membership in legally protected groups based on age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, or sex. When a company engages in or sanctions discriminatory practices regarding termination, hiring, promotions, training, or other policies adverse to an employee in a protected class, legal action can be taken against the employer. Aggrieved workers subject to employment discrimination can seek relief from the Texas Workforce Commission – Civil Rights Division (TWC-CRD) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Generally, an employee must pursue administrative remedies prior to filing a lawsuit seeking civil damages.
The deadlines for filing an administrative claim for employment discrimination are much shorter than the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit. An employee must file a claim with the TWC-CRD (or cross-file with the EEOC) within 180 days of the date of the discriminatory actions. However, shorter deadlines for pursuing other legal claims might apply, so you should seek legal advice promptly to avoid compromising your rights or options. Local anti-discrimination ordinances might provide assistance depending on your specific circumstances.
If the state or federal agency does not find that discrimination has occurred or a settlement cannot be reached, the employee will receive a “Notice of Right to Sue.” The duration of the administrative process varies, but the average time is about six months. In cases where there is a settlement of the administrative claim, the process usually takes about three months. The need to exhaust administrative remedies before filing in state or federal court makes it imperative to seek prompt legal advice to avoid being barred from filing a lawsuit. A lawsuit filed in a state court in Texas, for example, must be filed within 60 days of the date the TWC issues its version of a right to sue letter or within two years of the date the charge was filed with the agency, whichever deadline occurs earlier.
Contact a Fort Worth Employment Discrimination Attorney
If you have been subject to workplace discrimination, you might have a right to compensation. Our law firm can guide you through the administrative proceedings and the civil litigation process from the first filing through settlement or judgment. At FH Law Group, we tenaciously pursue the rights of our clients in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas of Tarrant County. Contact us today for a FREE consultation at (817) 697-4400 or visit our website.
