Best Employment Lawyers in El Paso, TX

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in El Paso, Texas?

  Dial 915-832-4400 to contact the El Paso Police Station for non-emergency matters.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in El Paso, Texas?

  Visit El Paso's public information center website at https://elpaso.govqa.us/webapp/_rs/(S(0r2fg2nb3iixa2hc5cwqrl2d))/supporthome.aspx to get information on how to request a police report copy related to your case. Every request must be submitted in writing. The office is open from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• What should you do if you experience age-based discrimination in El Paso?

  If you experience age discrimination in your workplace in El Paso, you can file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC or the TWC's Civil Rights Division. The EEOC handles claims under federal laws like Title VII or the ADA, while the TWC handles state law claims. Age discrimination is when you are treated badly because of your age, like when you are called "old," told you can't do the same job as younger workers, hear comments about your age, or are forced to quit or go on Social Security.

• How do you prove discrimination in the workplace in El Paso?

  Establishing workplace discrimination in El Paso can be challenging because employers frequently go to great lengths to disprove workplace discrimination claims to protect their reputation. You must provide evidence to prove the discrimination. These include the following: -You were treated differently due to your gender, race, nationality, color, religion, or age. -Someone identical to you in position, rank, or job duties but of a different sex or race was treated better under similar circumstances. -The employer treated you differently for no lawful, nondiscriminatory reason.

• Where can you file a complaint of employment discrimination in El Paso?

  You can file an employment discrimination complaint in El Paso either at the federal administrative agency, the Texas Workforce Commission — Civil Rights Division (TWC-CRD), or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). El Paso's EEOC office is at 300 E. Main Drive, Suite 500. Furthermore, for state employees with an age or disability discrimination claim, you must file your claim promptly under Texas state law, as the state may be immune to certain types of claims under the ADA or ADEA.

• How much time do you have to submit a complaint against your employer in El Paso?

  For most employment law matters in El Paso, the reporting deadline is within 180 days but can be as early as 90 days from the incident date. However, if a state or local agency enforces a law prohibiting employment discrimination on the same basis, the filing deadline is extended from 180 to 300 calendar days. Holidays and weekends are factored into the calculation, but if the deadline comes on one of those days, you have until the next working day.

• What should you do if you believe you are experiencing pregnancy-related discrimination in El Paso?

  If you believe you are being discriminated against at work because of your pregnancy, you should consult with an employment lawyer in El Paso. To submit a work discrimination lawsuit, you must first establish that there is an instance of discrimination. In Texas, The Pregnancy Discrimination Act protects pregnant women from discrimination. Employers with 15 or more workers are required to treat pregnant applicants and employees the same way they would treat anyone else with identical talents or restrictions.

• What does an employment attorney do?

  Employment attorneys represent workers, companies, unions, and advocacy groups. Their primary job is preventing and resolving disputes related to state and federal employment regulations as well as civil rights. They assist with the development of policies, including laws and employee handbooks, and they represent clients in court and during administrative hearings overseen by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and state-level labor agencies.

• How much should I ask for in a discrimination lawsuit?

  Employment-related claims are among the most complex and time-consuming lawsuits heard in the civil court system. Before workers can file a lawsuit, they must file a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Every year, the EEOC recovers $505 million for victims of workplace discrimination. When cases proceed to court, the average settlement is approximately $40,000. However, roughly 10% of claimants receive at least $1 million.

• How do I prove discrimination in the workplace?

  Discrimination lawsuits are typically based on an established pattern of behavior in the workplace. Employment attorneys who handle these claims generally advise clients to gather evidence and document all instances of discrimination, harassment, or abuse, as they occur. The following documents are often vital for proving workplace discrimination:

  • Personnel files
  • Payroll records
  • Employee handbooks
  • Diary or journal entries
  • Medical or mental health records
  • Reports from witnesses
  • Photos or video footage
  • Physical evidence

  
  

• Can I sue my company for a hostile work environment?

  Yes, offensive or unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile work environment and affects your terms of employment may give you reason to take legal action. However, rude or abusive behavior on its own isn’t illegal. It must also be tied to other legal issues, such as retaliation for reporting harassment or discrimination directed at members of a protected group.

• What is the EEOC?

  The EEOC is the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. It's a federal agency tasked with helping to enforce laws concerning discrimination in the workplace. Not all employers are covered under the EEOC. Typically, you have to work for an organization with at least 15 employees or for a labor union or agency to be covered by EEOC protections.

• How do I report an abusive boss?

  If you believe you're being discriminated against, you have several options. First, follow internal reporting procedures with human resources or other leadership. You can also file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC. Talking to an employment attorney can help you understand your options and protect your interests.

• What laws protect employees from job discrimination?

  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides employees with protection against discrimination based on a wide variety of factors, including national origin, sex, religion, race, and color.
  • The Age Discrimination Act of 1967 applies age to the protected class.
  • The Equal Pay Act of 1963 forbids sex-based compensation discrimination.
  • The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 makes it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of disability in terms of employment decisions.
  • The Civil Rights Act of 1991 adds more protection and power to the federal government to enforce some of these laws.

• How do I file a wrongful termination claim?

  You can file a wrongful termination claim with the EEOC online, via mail, or in person at various EEOC branch offices. You may be able to file a complaint with a state agency. To determine an appropriate plan of action and which organizations you can file with, speak to an employment lawyer.

• What is unfair treatment at work?

  Unfair treatment is not the same as unlawful treatment. There aren't laws against unfair treatment, which can include a boss who generally bullies people into action or someone who doesn't make fair decisions about time off because of nepotism or mood. Such issues may not constitute a claim for a court argument or allegation, unlike unjust judgments made on the grounds of race or age. An employment attorney can clarify if unfair treatment is also unlawful.

• What are some workers\' rights related to injury and illness?

  Employees have a variety of rights related to time off if they're injured or fall ill. For example, in workplaces covered by the Federal Medical Leave Act, workers are allowed to take up to 12 weeks off without losing their position in a company. The leave is unpaid unless PTO time can be used to cover it. Employees may also have rights to file a workers' comp claim if they're injured on the job. All of these laws cover different situations and types of employers, and an employment attorney can help you understand what rights you have.

• Can an employer force you to work?

  This is a gray area in some cases, which is why it may be a good idea to consult an employment lawyer if you have concerns about your workplace. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration , workers have a right to refuse to work in dangerous situations. But the burden of proof that this is, in fact, the case, can weigh heavily on the employee.