Because of employment-at-will, employers in Texas do not need to cite a reason to fire an employee. However, employees do have their rights, under state and federal laws, to take action, if they have been wrongfully fired, or have faced discrimination at work. Any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, national origin, pregnancy, disability, and/or religion, is illegal. You can choose to file a claim with either Texas Workforce Commission, Civil Rights Division (TWC-CRD), or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This brings us to an important question – Should you hire an Austin employment discrimination attorney? In this post, we are sharing more on why the right attorney is so important.
To know the laws and your rights
Keep in mind that antidiscrimination laws vary by state, and some counties/cities have their own antidiscrimination ordinances. You believe that you have suffered discrimination at work, but do you have a valid claim in the first place. Just because you were treated unfairly doesn’t mean your case will hold. Also, you have to prove your case and things you claim. Other factors will also matter. For instance, if you believe that you were denied a promotion because of your age, your claim may not be hold, if you are not over the age of 40. You need an employment discrimination attorney, so that you know your rights and legal options.
To file a lawsuit
If your case is not resolved by TWC-CRD or EEOC, or you wish to pursue the matter in court, because you believe that you deserve more, an attorney can help. An employment discrimination lawyer can also help in guiding through the legal procedures. For instance, you cannot file a federal employment discrimination case directly, unless you have filed a claim with EEOC. If you are not happy with the outcome, or EEOC has denied your claim, your lawyer can take action. Also, after you have filed the claim, you have to allow the agency (no matter whether that’s TWC-CRD or EEOC), a period of 180 days to investigate the matter. After this, you can file a lawsuit, with the help of your attorney.
Finding the right employment discrimination attorney
If you are looking for an employment discrimination attorney, check for websites like Avvo for details. Most law firms have their websites these days, and the first meeting with an attorney shouldn’t cost anything. Do not delay in calling an attorney, so that you have enough time to decide on further action.