Texas Employment Lawyers

Federal and Texas laws protect employees from misconduct in the workplace, but far too many employers willfully violate employment-related statutes.

You do have rights and legal options as an employee, but there are strict time limitations for pursuing your legal remedies.

Please contact the Francis Firm today to learn more about employment law and read on for some important information about our legal services. Our Texas employment lawyers are ready to help you today.

Cases that the Francis Firm Handles

Our team of experienced Texas employment law attorneys will fight for your rights in connection with such matters as:

  • Wage and overtime disputes under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA);
  • Sexual harassment claims under federal and Texas discrimination laws;
  • Whistleblower and retaliatory discharge actions;
  • Wrongful termination cases;
  • Claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state laws;
  • Employee civil rights claims;
  • Workplace discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Texas Labor Code;
  • Violations of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA); and
  • Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) claims.

We are confident in our ability to handle a wide variety of employment law cases, so contact us today to see if we can help you with yours. 

What Is Employment Discrimination?

Federal and Texas laws protect employees from adverse action or unfair treatment on account of various characteristics.

Protected classes in the context of employment discrimination include:

  • Race, 
  • Gender, 
  • Disability, 
  • Religion, 
  • Ethnicity, 
  • Age, and
  • Pregnancy.

You have a legal right to a discrimination-free work environment. While this is unfortunately not always provided by employers, know that we are here to help you protect and enforce your rights.

If your employer treats you differently or favors other employees over you due to your membership in a protected class, contact us today to discuss your potential claim for discrimination in the workplace.

What Will Happen If I Report Workplace Harassment or Discrimination? 

If you have experienced workplace harassment or discrimination, you also have a right to report such behavior to your employer. However, if you do so and experience any adverse action in response, this may constitute retaliation

Workplace retaliation is illegal under both federal and Texas law. This means that an employer is not permitted to fire or demote you or reduce your compensation or benefits in response to  you reporting an instance of harassment or discrimination. 

What Constitutes Wrongful Termination? 

Texas employees are considered “at-will” employees. This means that employers can generally fire you for any reason or even no reason at all.

Employers may not, however, fire you for an illegal reason. Doing so would constitute a wrongful termination for which you may receive compensation. 

Common reasons for termination of employment that are illegal under Texas and federal law include:

  • Discrimination against you based on your membership in a protected class;
  • Retaliation for complaining about discrimination or harassment;
  • Preventing you from obtaining benefits to which you are entitled;
  • Retaliation for claiming benefits to which you were entitled; and
  • Termination in violation of an employment contract.

If you believe you have been fired due to any of these illegal justifications, contact our firm today. Even if your employer claims that this was not the case, if you can prove otherwise, you may still be entitled to compensation.

How do Sexual Harassment Claims Work?

While sexual harassment is illegal under both Texas and federal law, it unfortunately still exists. Thus, it is extremely important to know your rights and understand what constitutes a sexual harassment claim.  

There are two types of harassment under federal and Texas laws on sexual harassment. You may have a claim against your employer for:

  1. Creating a hostile work environment or allowing one to continue; or,
  2. Quid pro quo harassment, where a manager or supervisor offers preferential treatment in exchange for sexual favors.

It is also important to note that sexual harassment may take many forms. Inappropriate touching or offensive comments, conversations, or jokes, whether in person or via text, email, or another form of electronic communication, may all constitute sexual harassment.

You have a legal right to work in a non-hostile environment free of unwelcome sexual advances. If you are being sexually harassed at work, keep track of any instances that occur and compile and save any evidence you may have.

If you report these instances to your employer and they fail to take action, contact the Francis Firm today to help you fight for your legal rights. 

Can My Employer Make Me Sign a Severance or Non-Compete Agreement?

southlake employment lawyers

Sometimes, signing a severance or non-compete agreement may be unavoidable. Depending on the timing and other factors, it’s possible that your employer can require you to execute certain contracts as terms of employment. This issue, however, is very case-specific.

Before you accept any sort of severance or non-compete agreement with your employer, you should first contact an attorney. An experienced employment law attorney can review the agreement and explain whether such an agreement is enforceable under your specific circumstances.

If it does turn out that you must sign the agreement, though, you may not have to sign it as is. In some circumstances, an attorney can help you negotiate the terms of your agreement. Even if the terms of the agreement appear favorable upon first glance, they can often be improved through negotiation. 

How Can an Employment Lawyer Help Me?

An attorney can assist with many types of situations and claims that may arise in the context of employment law, such as:

  • Seeking your remedies for violations of wage and hour laws;
  • Assistance with filing a claim for unlawful employer conduct under discrimination and harassment statutes;
  • Review of contracts presented to you by your employer, such as employment agreements, non-disclosure clauses, restrictive covenants, confidentiality agreements, and severance documents; and,
  • Enforcing your rights in connection with wrongful or retaliatory discharge.

Disputes with your employer can often be complicated and difficult to navigate on your own. However, having an experienced employment law attorney in your corner can help you fight for your rights. 

Call Now to Speak to a Skilled Employment Law Attorney

If you’ve been subjected to misconduct in the workplace, the time is now to take action against unlawful discrimination, harassment, or other violations of employment laws.

To learn more about your remedies, please contact The Francis Firm at (817) 329-9001 or online to schedule a free appointment at our Southlake, Texas office. Our employment law attorneys have more than 25 years of experience serving clients in the Dallas – Fort Worth region, so we’re prepared to fight for your rights.

Recent Verdicts & Settlements

With over twenty million dollars recovered for clients, you can trust our experience and proven track record to get you the maximum possible recovery.

SEE RECENT VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS
  • $2,250,000: Wrongful Death
  • $1,970,000: Vehicle Collision
  • $1,250,000: Car Accident
  • $1,050,000: Truck Collision
  • $1,000,000: Truck Accident
  • $900,000: Vehicle Collision
  • $775,839: Commercial Litigation
  • $600,000: Wrongful Death
  • $565,000: Vehicle Collision
  • $425,000: Product Liability
  • $329,000: Commercial Litigation
  • $206,545: Premises Liability
  • $87,300: Arbitration Verdict