Best Employment Lawyers in Odessa

FAQs

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

  The Odessa Police Department can be reached at (432) 335-4961 for non-emergency situations.

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

  To get a copy of a police report, go to the lobby of the Odessa Police Department located at 205 N. Grant Ave., Odessa, TX 79761 to make a request with the Records Unit. It is open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For urgent report requests, call (432) 335-3306.

  You can also request a report copy online at https://odessatx.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(2u0cmpr5hlumht3s5zwxy5c4))/SupportHome.aspx?sSessionID=

• How do you know if your situation qualifies for a Qui Tam lawsuit in Odessa?

  Before filing a Qui Tam case in Odessa, make sure it fulfills the conditions below:

  • State or federal finances were involved in the government fraud
  • You must have personal knowledge of the government fraud
  • Your evidence must have identifying specifics like what, who, where, and when
  • Your evidence must not be sourced from the public like TV news, newspaper articles, or court records
  • The lawsuit must be filed within six years from the date the fraudulent act occurred

• Are employers in Odessa allowed to make wage deductions without informing the employee?

  Employers in Odessa are not allowed to make wage deductions without informing the employee. Texas Payday Law specifies that wage deductions can only be done if authorized by a court order (like mandatory child support payments), by the employee in writing and for a legal purpose, and by a federal or state law (like taxes withheld for the IRS). Wage deductions must not bring the wage below the mandated minimum wage to avoid a Fair Labor Standards Act violation.

• Are there requirements to be able to file a workplace discrimination complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission in Odessa?

  You can file an employment discrimination complaint in Odessa with the TWC’s Civil Rights Division if your situation meets these conditions:

  • The discrimination involved a specific protected characteristic (e.g., national origin, race, sex, color, age, disability, or religion).
  • The discrimination involved an adverse employment action (e.g., termination, denial of promotion, or demotion).
  • You are submitting the complaint within 180 days of the date the discrimination occurred.
  • Your workplace is physically in Texas.
  • There are over 14 employees in your company

• Are oilfield workers in Odessa entitled to compensation for time spent on work meetings and training?

  Oilfield employers in Odessa requiring their workers to undergo work-related training or meeting should compensate the workers for the hours spent on these activities. If the workers need to travel from the business establishment to another site to attend these activities or to a different job site to perform work, they should also be paid for the time spent traveling.

• Is it legal for employers in Odessa to give employees compensatory time off in place of overtime pay?

  If you're working for a private employer in Odessa, the employer cannot force you to exchange overtime pay for compensatory time off. For non-exempt employees working in public companies or government agencies, compensatory time off can be offered in place of overtime pay according to Texas Government Code Section 659.015. However, this is a rare occurrence.

• 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.