Protect Your Rights at Work
Wrongful Termination or Discharge | Employment Contracts | Discrimination in the Workplace | Sexual Harassment | Wage and Hour Claims | Whistleblower Claims
You spend about a third of your life on the job. When you’re the victim of discrimination, sexual harassment, or other wrongful acts at work, it can spill over into the rest of your life. When you’re wrongfully denied fair compensation, face retaliation for a whistleblower claim, or are wrongfully discharged, you have the right to take legal action to protect your rights.
At The Legal Café, we can help you find the right lawyer to help resolve your employment law dispute. Fill out our online form or visit us at the Café, at 114 Main Street in the heart of the Fort Worth courthouse district.
Legal Claims That Arise in the Workplace
There are many instances of wrongful or inappropriate conduct in employment matters:
- Wrongful discharge or termination – Although most states consider employment to be “at will,” meaning either the employer or employee may terminate at any time for almost any reason, an employer still may not fire someone in violation of the terms of a valid employment agreement, or in violation of law or public policy. There’s often no requirement that an employment contract be in writing, so the conduct and conversations of employers and employees can form binding employment contracts. Furthermore, state and federal laws prohibit termination based on a variety of factors, including sex, age, race, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs, and national origin.
- Discrimination in the workplace – State and federal laws ban different treatment of employees based on certain “suspect classifications.” Those classifications including age, sex, disability, race or ethnicity, pregnancy, religion or creed, and sexual orientation. A company policy that does not intentionally discriminate may still be prohibited if it has a “disparate impact” on protected employees. Wrongful discrimination may be related to any workplace benefit, such as pay, promotion, training, and office space. The law also prohibits giving undesirable work assignments based on protected classes.
- Sexual harassment – Sexual harassment, a form of discrimination, has been far more prominent than many other types of workplace discrimination. Sexual harassment takes two general forms—quid pro quo harassment and creation of a hostile environment based on sex. Quid pro quo sexual harassment involves either the promise of a work-related benefit in exchange for sexual favors or punishment for a refusal to submit to demands for sexual favors.
- Wage and hour claims – Under state and federal laws, employers are required to pay certain minimum wages and overtime to hourly employees. Many employers will wrongfully classify workers as “salaried” or exempt in order to avoid paying overtime. Tipped employees and commissioned salespeople are also victims of attempts by employers to underpay workers in violation of wage and hour laws.
- Whistleblower claims – Under state and federal statutes, employees have the right to report unethical or illegal actions by employers without fear of retaliation or retribution.
Connect with an Experienced Employment Law Attorney Today
The Legal Café has resources to help you locate an experienced employment lawyer to protect your rights. Complete our online form or stop by the Café to start the process.
Employment Contracts
An employment attorney also can help you put an employment agreement in place that protects your rights and helps you negotiate favorable terms, including:
- A competitive salary
- A clear description of your responsibilities
- The circumstances under which you or your employer can terminate the agreement
- A fair severance package
Schedule an Appointment with a Proven Employment Lawyer
The Legal Café takes the stress, anxiety, and uncertainty out of finding the right attorney to handle your employment law matter. Fill out our online form or visit the Café to learn more.