San Antonio Age Discrimination Lawyer

Age discrimination is a pervasive issue that can have significant consequences on one’s career and well-being. Federal and state laws in San Antonio aim to protect individuals from age discrimination, ensuring a fair and equal workplace for all. It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against any employee based on age. The federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects employees who are 40 years of age or older from all types of age-based discrimination.

An older man speaking with a woman at work.

Have you experienced workplace discrimination? Contact the San Antonio, Texas, age discrimination attorney at Galo Law Firm to discuss your case and take appropriate legal action. Call us today at 210-764-6135 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a fair and equitable resolution.

Key Takeaways

  • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code provide legal protection against age discrimination.
  • Employees should be aware of signs of age discrimination and seek justice if they have been a victim.
  • Galo Law Firm focuses on providing legal representation to victims, investigating cases, negotiating with employers, litigating claims & protecting employee rights from retaliation.

Understanding Age Discrimination in San Antonio

Age discrimination occurs when an individual is treated unfavorably due to their age, specifically when they are 40 years of age or older. In San Antonio, two key laws protect employees from age discrimination: the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) at the federal level and Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code. This legal framework plays a pivotal role in combating age discrimination by holding employers accountable and offering recourse for victims.

Recognizing age discrimination in the workplace can be challenging, but understanding the laws and signs of age discrimination can empower employees to take action and seek justice.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

ADEA is a government-enforced law that protects individuals of 40 years or more from age-based discrimination in the workplace. Age should not be used to hinder an individual’s growth and progress. The Act applies to:

  • Private sector workers
  • Public sector workers
  • Job applicants
  • Current employees

Besides safeguarding employees from discriminatory practices, the ADEA also outlaws retaliation against those who challenge such practices or partake in any protected activity, like filing an age discrimination charge or participating in an inquiry.

Texas Labor Code, Section 21.001

In addition to the ADEA, the Texas Labor Code, Section 21.001 offers further protection against age discrimination in employment. The statute applies to employers with 15 or more employees and extends these protections to all employees, regardless of age.

This means that in Texas, employees of any age are safeguarded against age discrimination in the workplace, ensuring a more inclusive and diverse work environment.

Recognizing Age Discrimination in the Workplace

Employees need to identify age discrimination in the workplace to know when they should react. Examples of age discrimination may include:

  • being passed over for a promotion
  • termination or layoff due to age
  • derogatory comments or jokes about age
  • exclusion from work-related activities

By staying vigilant and understanding the signs of age discrimination, older workers can better protect their rights and seek justice from Galo Law Firm if they have suffered discrimination.

How We Represent Victims of Age Discrimination

At Galo Law Firm, our team of experienced age discrimination attorneys is committed to representing victims of age discrimination and fighting for justice. Our approach to representing age discrimination victims includes investigating their claims, negotiating with employers, and litigating cases when necessary.

Investigating Your Case

A thorough investigation is pivotal for building a robust age discrimination case. We gather evidence, consult with witnesses, and evaluate the merits of each case to provide tailored advice to our clients. By meticulously examining each case and gathering pertinent details, we are better equipped to advocate for our clients and ensure a successful outcome.

Negotiating with Employers

Negotiating with employers forms a key component of the age discrimination case process. We employ common negotiation strategies, such as:

  • presenting comprehensive and persuasive evidence during negotiations
  • examining the possibility of settling the discrimination claim
  • acquiring knowledge of the legal facets of severance agreements and waivers of discrimination claims

Our experience in negotiating with employers allows us to secure a positive outcome for our clients.

Litigating Age Discrimination Cases

There may be instances when litigation becomes necessary to secure justice for age discrimination victims. We represent our clients throughout the litigation process, including filing an administrative complaint, participating in pre-trial negotiations, and going to trial if necessary.

Our commitment to providing exceptional legal representation ensures that our clients receive the compensation and justice they deserve.

Employer Compliance: Preventing Age Discrimination

Employers play a vital role in preventing age discrimination and other forms of employment discrimination, fostering a fair and inclusive workplace for all employees. By developing non-discriminatory policies, providing employee training, and addressing employee complaints, employers can contribute to a more diverse and equitable work environment.

Developing Non-Discriminatory Policies

Creating a workplace free from age discrimination necessitates the establishment of clear non-discriminatory policies. These policies should explicitly state that discrimination based on protected characteristics, such as age, is not tolerated and outline the procedures for reporting and addressing complaints.

By implementing and enforcing these policies, employers can ensure a more inclusive and fair workplace for all employees.

Training and Educating Employees

Proper training and education for employees can significantly reduce the occurrence of age discrimination in the workplace. By raising awareness, educating employees about age discrimination laws, and providing resources for reporting discriminatory behavior, employers can foster a more inclusive and respectful work environment.

Training should be a priority for all employers, as it not only benefits employees but can also protect the company from potential legal issues.

Responding to Employee Complaints

Employers must take employee complaints of age discrimination seriously and address them promptly. By conducting a thorough investigation and taking necessary corrective action, employers demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a fair and inclusive workplace.

Promptly addressing an employee’s complaint not only helps to prevent further discrimination but also fosters a positive work culture for all employees.

Remedies for Age Discrimination Victims

Victims of age discrimination may be entitled to various remedies, such as compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees. These remedies can help compensate for the financial and emotional losses from discrimination and hold employers accountable for their actions.

Compensatory Damages

Compensatory damages for age discrimination may include:

  • Back pay
  • Front pay
  • Lost benefits
  • Emotional distress damages

These damages are intended to reimburse victims for losses they have endured as a result of age discrimination.

By seeking compensatory damages, victims can obtain the financial resources they need to move forward after experiencing age discrimination.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to victims of age discrimination as a form of punishment for the employer’s malicious or reckless actions. While punitive damages are not available in all discrimination cases, they may be considered in cases where the employer’s actions or omissions are particularly egregious.

Attorney’s Fees and Legal Costs

Age discrimination cases can be complex and costly, with attorney’s fees and other legal expenses often adding up quickly. However, it is important to remember that the cost of seeking justice and holding employers accountable is an investment in one’s future and the fight against age discrimination.

Time Limits and Filing Procedures

Awareness of the deadlines and procedures for filing age discrimination complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Texas Workforce-Civil Rights Division is critical. Missing deadlines or failing to follow proper procedures can have significant consequences for one’s case.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Deadlines

A complaint with the EEOC must be filed within 300 days of the date of discrimination. It is essential to adhere to this deadline to ensure that your age discrimination claim is properly processed and investigated by the EEOC.

Texas Workforce-Civil Rights Division Deadlines

In Texas, an age discrimination complaint must be submitted to the Texas Workforce Commission within 180 days of the date of discrimination. Meeting this deadline is crucial for your complaint to be investigated and considered by the Texas Workforce-Civil Rights Division.

Filing a Complaint

Filing an age discrimination complaint entails a few steps:

  1. Submitting an online inquiry
  2. Undergoing an interview
  3. Completing a Charge of Discrimination via the EEOC Public Portal or the Texas Workforce Commission’s website.

By following the proper procedures, you can ensure that your age discrimination claim is properly addressed and investigated.

Retaliation and Protection for Employees

Retaliation against employees who report age discrimination is a serious concern. Employees should understand their rights and the legal consequences for employers who retaliate, as well as the steps they can take to protect themselves and their rights.

Understanding Retaliation

Retaliation happens when an employer undertakes an adverse employment action against an employee due to their involvement in protected activity like reporting age discrimination or participating in an investigation. Identifying retaliation is essential for employees to know when they should take action to protect their rights.

Legal Consequences for Employers

Legal consequences, including fines, penalties, and other sanctions under federal law, may befall employers who retaliate against employees reporting age discrimination.

By holding employers accountable for their actions, employment law helps to deter retaliation and protect the rights of employees.

Protecting Employee Rights

When experiencing age discrimination, employees can protect their rights through various steps such as gaining knowledge of the relevant laws, documenting instances of retaliation, and requesting an investigation. By taking these measures, employees can ensure that their rights are protected and that they can seek justice for any wrongful actions taken against them.

Were You Discriminated Against?

An older woman speaking with her attorney and looking at a laptop.

At Galo Law Firm, we represent employees who have experienced the following forms of discrimination based on age:

  • Termination
  • Reduction in force targeted at older workers
  • Denial of promotions
  • Demotions

Equal opportunity laws protect workers from discrimination, provide them with compensation, and punish employers. These same laws also protect employees from retaliation for complaining of age discrimination. Our firm has a comprehensive understanding of these laws.

How Galo Law Firm Can Help You – Se Habla Español

Our team of experienced age discrimination attorneys, including a dedicated age discrimination attorney, at Galo Law Firm is committed to delivering exceptional legal representation for age discrimination cases in San Antonio. We understand the complex nature of these cases and are dedicated to holding employers accountable and fighting for justice for our clients.

If you believe you have experienced age discrimination, don’t hesitate to contact us at 210-764-6135 to discuss your legal options and take the first step toward justice.