Fort Worth Employment Law Retaliation Claims Attorneys

Employment Retaliation Lawsuits – Tarrant County Retaliation Lawsuit Attorneys

When an employer or manager engages in conduct toward an employee that is prohibited by Texas or federal employment law, employees are protected from retaliation.  Aggrieved employees who are fired, demoted, transferred, or otherwise punished for complaining about improper conduct by a manager or owner, such as sexual harassment, might have the right to seek back pay, compensation for pain and suffering, punitive damages, and legal fees.  Fort Worth retaliation claims attorneys at FH Law Group represent both employers and employees in cases involving claims of retaliation in the workplace.

Employees who report a supervisor or co-worker’s actions to management, make an internal grievance, file a claim with a government agency, or pursue a lawsuit for violating fair labor laws or anti-discrimination statutes might be targeted for retaliation.  The retaliation by a manager against an employee could arise from a hostile relationship between management and the employee in the wake of the complaint.  In other situations, management might intentionally eliminate or penalize the “troublemaker.”

Protection from Retaliation in Texas

The objective of laws protecting employees from retaliation in the workplace for reporting unlawful conduct by an employer is to ensure that employment laws are enforced by protecting employees who report wrongdoing.  Retaliation claims by employees can be brought based on a wide range of actions by an employer that includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Doubling down on the illegal conduct (e.g. discrimination)
  • Denying employment opportunities
  • Meritless negative evaluations
  • Eliminating overtime
  • Reducing wages, salaries, or other compensation
  • Assigning less desirable shifts/work schedules
  • Improperly implementing work discipline
  • Refusing to hire
  • Demoting the employee
  • Creating a hostile work environment
  • Assigning less desirable work duties
  • Scrutinizing employees extra close to impose discipline
  • Making threats without justification

Workers Protected by Employment Retaliation Laws

Recent years have seen a rise in retaliation claims against employers.  While claims of discrimination and retaliation are related, they are distinct from one another.  Employees who can bring a retaliation claim include those who do the following:

  • Participate in agency or legal proceedings involving discrimination claims
  • Request a reasonable accommodation for a disability
  • Object to unlawful workplace discrimination
  • Exercise approved leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

When an employee brings a retaliation claim against an employer, the worker must establish that the actions like those above were intentional and that the unfavorable action was related to the charge, lawsuit, or complaint.  An employer may not retaliate against an employee who engages in certain “protected activity.”  The term protected activity refers to reporting, complaining or opposing illegal employment discrimination.  The employee seeking relief must possess a good-faith belief that the offending party violated anti-discrimination laws.  A retaliation claim can be brought by an employee even when the prohibited discrimination was aimed at a different employee.

Contact a Fort Worth Retaliation Claim Attorney

If you have been subject to retaliation for reporting illegal conduct or discrimination in the workplace, you might have a right to compensation.  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.