When Is the Right Time to Retain Legal Counsel? What Are the Situations Where You Should Hire Experienced Legal Representation?
Though there’s been much public hue and cry about harassment and discrimination in the workplace, and though there are both state and federal laws banning wrongful discrimination on the job, it’s unfortunately still a fairly common occurrence, both in Texas and across the United States. When you are the victim of disparate or unfair treatment at work, when is the right time to contact an experienced attorney? What are the types of situations where you need to retain legal counsel?
What Is the Legal Basis in Texas for Banning Discrimination in the Workplace?
State and federal laws identify those types of conduct that constitute wrongful discrimination in the workplace. As a general rule, in discrimination claims, you must show that the discrimination or harassment was based on your membership in a recognized protected class, and you must show that the harassment or discrimination was severe or pervasive. State and federal law identify a range of protected classes. Specifically, Texas bans discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender or religious practice. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetic information.
It’s also important to understand that discrimination may be the result of either disparate intent or disparate impact. Disparate intent involves willfully and knowingly engaging in acts designed to illegally discriminate against workers. Disparate impact involves a policy, procedure or action that is ostensibly neutral on its face, but that has a different effect on persons in a protected class. A requirement that all workers attend a Sunday morning team meeting may have a disparate impact on people with certain religious practices.
When Should You Retain a Proven Dallas Discrimination Attorney?
As with most legal matters, the sooner you hire qualified counsel, the sooner your rights will be protected. If you have a reasonable belief that you are the victim of any type of workplace discrimination, you should immediately bring in counsel, who can advise as to the best course of action to protect your rights. An experienced attorney can also ensure that you don’t do or say anything that potentially jeopardizes your claim. Furthermore, if you hire an attorney early in the process, he or she may be able to take steps to stop the discrimination, so that you won’t feel compelled to quit your job.
Contact the Proven Discrimination Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen
At the law office of Bailey & Galyen, we are committed to helping men and women throughout Texas who have been victims of wrongful discrimination on the job. We have a thorough knowledge of the laws governing workplace discrimination, and will aggressively fight to put an end to the discrimination you face, and help you recover compensation for any losses. We offer a free initial consultation to every client. To schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable and thorough estate planning lawyer, contact us by e-mail or 844-402-2992 call our offices at one of the convenient locations listed below. We will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
