Discrimination Attorney in Tyler

Determined to Protect Your Rights

Hommel Law Firm’s reputable attorney represents employees who have experienced discrimination in the workplace. I understand that you may be hesitant to stand up against your employer out of fear of retaliation. When you work with me, however, I can help you seek a remedy to the discrimination you have faced and work to protect you from unjust retaliatory measures. Whether you need to file a claim or bring a lawsuit against your employer, the Tyler, Texas-based firm can offer the strategic representation you require.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Under Texas employment law, it’s illegal for employers to unfairly treat an employee or group of employees differently from others because of their membership in a legally protected category, such as:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Gender
• Age (40 and older)
• Religion
• Disability

If you believe your employer is discriminating against you for any of these reasons, you have the opportunity to put an end to their illegal activity, and you may even be entitled to compensation.

Sexual harassment is a specific form of workplace misconduct, and I represent employees whose claims involve unwelcome sexual conduct.

I have more than three decades of experience handling all types of discrimination cases, including:

• Age discrimination
• Disability discrimination
• Gender discrimination

Unfair Treatment vs. a Legally Actionable Claim

Not every instance of unfair treatment at work is illegal discrimination, and that gap causes a lot of confusion. A claim generally requires two things: you belong to a legally protected group (based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, or similar characteristic), and you were treated worse than a similarly situated coworker outside that group in a way that affected your job, such as pay, hours, promotion, discipline, or termination.

For example, a manager who plays favorites with whoever golfs with him on weekends is frustrating, but it likely isn’t illegal unless the pattern tracks a protected characteristic. On the other hand, if a 58-year-old employee with a strong record is passed over for a promotion that goes to a less-qualified 29-year-old, and managers have made comments about wanting a “younger, fresher” team, that starts to look like an actionable age discrimination claim. The difference usually comes down to whether the unfairness is tied to who you are, and whether it’s connected to a specific job decision, not just a personality clash or a bad day.

Call (903) 412-3788 today to discuss your rights and options with a seasoned employment law attorney.

Filing a Discrimination Claim in Tyler

If you’re the victim of unfair treatment in the workplace based on your race, age, gender, or another protected class, you can file a discrimination claim. You have the option of filing a claim with either the Texas Workforce Commission - Civil Rights Division (TWC-CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

There are strict deadlines that must be met when filing a discrimination claim with the TWC-CRD or EEOC.

The deadlines for each entity include:

• TWC-CRD - if you’re filing a claim with the state administrative agency, you generally must do so within 180 days of the alleged unlawful employment practice. For claims based on unwelcome sexual conduct, Texas allows 300 days.
• EEOC - if you’re filing a claim with the federal administrative agency, you generally must do so within 300 days of the date you believe you experienced discrimination in the workplace

You may wish to request a consultation with an experienced employment law attorney prior to filing your discrimination claim with either the state or federal administrative agency. While it isn’t required to have a lawyer to file your claim, it’s highly recommended.

Unsuccessful Discrimination Claim? The Hommel Law Firm Can Help!

If your claim wasn’t successfully resolved by the TWC-CRD or EEOC, you have the opportunity to take further action in court. After the TWC-CRD issues a right-to-sue notice, you generally have 60 days to file a lawsuit in Texas state court, and the civil action can’t be filed more than two years after the complaint was filed. After an EEOC Notice of Right to Sue, you generally have 90 days to file a lawsuit in federal court. Depending on the claim and notice, a state case may proceed in Smith County courts.

This step is one that should only be taken with a Tyler discrimination attorney on your side. At the Hommel Law Firm, my legal team is experienced in successfully handling all types of workplace discrimination and harassment violations. I have the knowledge and experience to help you file a lawsuit against your employer.

I have taken more than 100 cases to jury trial. My firm has handled more than 1,000 employment law cases and recovered over $4 million for clients in the past five years.

I handle most employment cases on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay upfront legal fees in most cases. Call (903) 412-3788 today or contact us online to get started with your discrimination claim.