Have You Suffered Discrimination Or Retaliation In Your Job?
On paper, it is illegal for employers to discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability and other protected characteristics. It is also illegal for employers to retaliate when workers report wrongdoing or exercise their rights.
Some employers brazenly violate these protections. Other employers manufacture excuses to fire or mistreat certain employees. The law firm of Vij & Krell, PLLC holds those companies accountable. We help people stand up for their employment rights and civil rights and pursue monetary compensation or other remedies under the law.
Call us today to arrange a free, one-one-one consultation with an experienced lawyer. We handle employment discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination in Greater Houston and throughout Texas.
Fighting For Victims Of Employment Discrimination
Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and numerous other federal and state laws, it is illegal for employers to discriminate on the basis of race or color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or military service. Discrimination takes many forms, including differential treatment in:
- Hiring and recruiting
- Job assignments, pay and privileges
- Advancement
- Disciplinary action
- Harassment and hostile work environment
- Layoffs and termination
We have represented people subjected to overt discrimination such as racial slurs, threats of violence, or offensive pictures and notes left on desks. In other cases the discrimination is more subtle, such as being paid less, repeatedly passed over for promotions or disciplined more harshly.
Many times it is the owners or managers engaged in discriminatory actions. Employers are also accountable for failing to take action and protect victims when the perpetrator is a co-worker or customer.
Retaliation And Wrongful Termination
We also represent employees who have suffered backlash for exercising their rights or blowing the whistle on illegal activity. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, transfer, reduction in pay, suspension, harassment or (suddenly) negative performance reviews. Under state and federal laws, employers cannot retaliate for:
- Filing or supporting a claim of discrimination or sexual harassment
- Whistleblowing on fraud or other illegal acts by the company
- Taking protected leave (FMLA, pregnancy, military duty)
- Filing a workers’ compensation claim
- Asserting wage and hour violations such as unpaid overtime
Making The Case And Pursuing Justice
In our experience, employers and supervisors often do a remarkable job of documenting their blatantly illegal discrimination through emails, texts and witnessed behavior. In other cases, we have to read between the lines and connect the dots through forensic investigation, depositions and other methods to find the ‘smoking gun” or establish a pattern of misconduct.
James Krell and Vikram “Vik” Vij are accomplished trial lawyers who know the law and are committed to forcing employers to make amends. At the beginning of your case, we will explain your rights and remedies under the law and help you decide how to go forward. We are with you at every step, from documenting and reporting the abuse to filing a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
Start With A Free Case Evaluation
Take advantage of a free initial consultation to find out if you have grounds to sue. Call our Sugar Land office at 713-364-0663 or email our firm with a few details. We take cases in the Houston area and statewide.