Best Employment Lawyers in Brownsville

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Brownsville is 956-548-7000.

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

  You can obtain a copy of your police report in Brownsville by sending an email to openrecordsrequest@brownsvilletx.gov with your case number, type of incident, name and address of the person requesting, and your preferred way to get your copy (mail, email, or fax). You can send a letter request to the Records Division at 600 E Jackson St., Brownsville TX 78520, or the fax line at 956-548-7115.

• In Brownsville, if your employer is not promoting you due to your age, can you file a complaint?

  Yes, you can file a complaint in your human resources department if your employer is overlooking your skills due to your age in Brownsville. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits employers from committing age-based discrimination toward employers. You are also protected from retaliatory acts from your employer after you file your formal complaint before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

• Can you file a complaint if you were demoted at work in Brownsville due to your national origin?

  Yes, you can file a complaint against your employer if you were demoted at your workplace in Brownsville due to your national origin. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Texas Labor Code, employers and managers are prohibited from exercising discriminatory processes against workers with other national origins. It is also important to note that such an incident can happen even if both persons are of the same race and origin.

• If you file a complaint about workplace safety in your company in Brownsville, are you protected from retaliation?

  Yes, you are protected from employer retaliation if you file a safety complaint in Brownsville. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration oversees safety complaints by employees and investigates the cases while safeguarding the employees' labor rights. OSHA also requires employers or business owners to maintain a safe working environment for workers.

• Do you have to worry about the at-will rule if you have an existing job contract in Brownsville?

  Employers in Brownsville and across the state of Texas observe an at-will employment statute, which means an employee can be terminated from work without any cause. However, there are exceptions when employers cannot fire employees outright, such as when there is an existing job contract that specifically states a specific period of time.

• If your employer has bypassed you from a promotion or wage increase due to your gender, can you file a complaint in Brownsville?

  Yes, you can file a complaint against your employer or manager if you have been bypassed for any promotions or wage increases at your work in Brownsville. Under the Equal Pay Act, your employer should give equal opportunities at work regardless of the gender of the employees. This also includes vacation leaves, allowances, and bonuses. You can file a complaint through your human resource department and through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

• 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.