Lawyers for Harassment at Work in Texas: Know Your Rights and How to Take Action
April 4, 2025
  • Evan Lange By Evan Lange
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Before proceeding, please review the  legal disclaimer.

Lawyers for Harassment at Work in Texas: Know Your Rights and How to Take Action

No one should have to endure harassment in the workplace. Whether it’s verbal abuse, inappropriate behavior, or repeated mistreatment based on your identity, workplace harassment is not just wrong—it may be illegal.

If you’ve been harassed at work and your employer has ignored it, a lawyer for harassment at work can help you take control. From filing formal complaints to pursuing financial compensation, these attorneys fight to hold employers accountable and protect your dignity.

Here’s what workplace harassment includes, what your legal rights are in Texas, and when to contact an attorney.

What Is Workplace Harassment?

Workplace harassment refers to unwanted, hostile, or offensive behavior that targets an employee based on a legally protected characteristic. It can include:

  • Verbal abuse or slurs

  • Sexual advances or inappropriate comments

  • Threats, intimidation, or ridicule

  • Offensive jokes or gestures

  • Unwanted physical contact

  • Repeated negative treatment, especially from a supervisor

To be considered illegal harassment, the behavior must be:

  • Severe or pervasive, and

  • Based on a protected class (race, sex, religion, disability, age, etc.)

Types of Workplace Harassment Covered by Law

Federal and Texas laws prohibit harassment based on:

  • Sex or gender identity

  • Race or ethnicity

  • Religion

  • Age (40+)

  • Disability or health conditions

  • National origin

  • Pregnancy

  • Sexual orientation

Harassment can come from coworkers, supervisors, customers, or even third-party contractors. If the company knew about it and did nothing, they can be held liable.

What Laws Protect Employees in Texas?

Several laws protect workers from harassment:

✅ Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Prohibits workplace harassment based on race, sex, religion, and other protected classes.

✅ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Protects individuals with mental or physical impairments.

✅ Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

Covers workers age 40 and older.

✅ Texas Labor Code Chapter 21

Provides similar protections under Texas state law, including prohibiting retaliation for reporting harassment.

What Counts as Illegal Harassment?

Examples include:

  • A supervisor repeatedly making sexual jokes or comments

  • A coworker using racial slurs or hate symbols

  • Targeting an employee because of a disability or accent

  • Spreading rumors, mocking, or isolating someone based on gender or identity

  • Touching, groping, or making sexual propositions

  • Retaliating after someone rejects advances or files a complaint

📌 Not every rude or annoying comment is harassment—but when it becomes frequent, threatening, or targeted, it may be legally actionable.

What to Do If You’re Being Harassed at Work

1. Document Everything

Keep detailed records of incidents, including dates, locations, names, and any witnesses. Save emails, texts, and voicemails.

2. Report Internally First

File a complaint with your HR department or follow the process in your employee handbook. Always do this in writing.

3. Request an Investigation

Employers are legally required to investigate complaints and take corrective action.

4. Speak with a Lawyer

If your employer ignores your complaint, retaliates, or the harassment continues, it’s time to talk to an attorney.

How Lawyers for Harassment at Work Can Help

A workplace harassment lawyer can:

  • Evaluate whether your experience qualifies as illegal harassment

  • File complaints with the EEOC or Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)

  • Represent you in mediation, arbitration, or court

  • Help you recover compensation for damages

  • Protect you from retaliation or wrongful termination

  • Demand policy changes or workplace reform

They serve as both advocate and guide—helping you understand your rights and reclaim your power.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If your harassment claim is successful, you may receive:

Type of Compensation

Description

Back pay

Lost wages from missed work or wrongful firing

Emotional distress

Pain, anxiety, or suffering from the harassment

Reinstatement

Getting your job or benefits back

Punitive damages

For egregious or intentional misconduct

Legal fees

Often covered by the employer if you win your case

Some cases result in six-figure settlements or more, especially when employers ignore complaints or encourage a toxic culture.

Can You Be Fired for Reporting Harassment?

No. Retaliation is illegal.

If you were demoted, fired, or mistreated after reporting harassment, you may have a separate retaliation claim. This can increase your compensation and strengthen your legal position.

Who Can File a Harassment Claim?

You may have a valid claim if:

  • You were harassed by a coworker, boss, or client

  • You reported harassment and nothing changed

  • You were forced to quit because of a toxic environment (constructive discharge)

  • You were retaliated against after filing a complaint

  • You witnessed harassment and were punished for speaking up

Even temporary, contract, or undocumented workers have legal protections.

The Lange Firm: Standing Up for Harassment Victims in Texas

At The Lange Firm, we help employees across Texas fight back against workplace harassment. We believe everyone deserves a safe, respectful work environment—and we’re here to make that a reality.

Our team can help you:

  • Understand your rights

  • Build a strong harassment or retaliation case

  • File complaints with EEOC or TWC

  • Pursue compensation through settlement or litigation

📞 Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

Final Thoughts

Workplace harassment is more than uncomfortable—it can be traumatic, career-ending, and illegal. If you’re experiencing harassment and your employer won’t act, a lawyer for harassment at work can help you take the next step.

✅ You don’t have to suffer in silence. Legal support is available, and your voice matters.

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    Mr. Evan B. Lange is the attorney responsible for this website. | All meetings are by appointment only. | Principal place of business: Sugar Land, Texas.
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