Employment Law, Houston, Texas
Retaliation
If your employer punished you after you engaged in protected activity, the law may protect you. Retaliation protection depends on the protected activity and the applicable law.
What This Covers
Punished After Protected Activity
Actions That May Support a Retaliation Claim
Retaliatory actions can range from a pattern of unfair treatment after protected activity to more severe measures, including:
- Failure to promote
- Threats to job security
- Negative transfers
- Schedule changes
- Wage reduction
- Termination
Preserve Relevant Records
Gather evidence as soon as something seems amiss. Preserve records you lawfully possess, such as:
- Emails showing unfavorable treatment
- A record of phone or in-person conversations
- Official reports of demotions or passed-over promotions
- Paychecks showing wage reduction
Include dates on all records. Do not take confidential employer materials or access systems without authorization.
What Conduct May Be Protected?
Retaliation protections arise under several federal and state employment laws. Depending on the applicable statute and circumstances, protected activity may include reporting unlawful discrimination or harassment, participating in an employment discrimination investigation, requesting a reasonable accommodation, exercising protected leave rights, asserting wage-and-hour rights, or reporting certain unlawful conduct.
Not every workplace complaint or disagreement is legally protected activity. Whether retaliation protections apply depends on the conduct involved and the governing law.
Evaluating a Retaliation Claim
Relevant evidence may include the timing of events, the employer’s knowledge of protected activity, changes in treatment or working conditions, inconsistent explanations for employment decisions, and other circumstances suggesting a retaliatory motive.
My Approach
Decades of Experience on Both Sides
I bring more than 20 years of experience in employment law, including experience on both sides of the case, so I understand how employers think and how to counter their defenses.
I represent employees in negotiations, administrative proceedings, arbitration, and litigation, as appropriate to the particular matter. I approach consultations and client matters with discretion and in accordance with applicable professional confidentiality obligations.
Take the Next Step
Request a Consultation
If you were punished after engaging in protected activity, talk with an attorney who will stand up for you.
Request a Consultation Or call 832-564-3804