By Evan Lange
Before proceeding, please review the legal disclaimer.
Employees with disabilities have the right to fair treatment in the workplace. Unfortunately, discrimination—whether subtle or overt—still happens across Texas. If you’ve been denied a job, reasonable accommodations, a promotion, or were wrongfully terminated because of a disability, you may be entitled to legal relief.
At The Lange Firm, we advocate for workers facing disability discrimination. As a dedicated disability discrimination lawyer in Texas, our goal is to ensure your voice is heard, your rights are upheld, and justice is served.
Here’s what you need to know if you believe you’ve been discriminated against because of a disability.
Disability discrimination occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfavorably because of a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This treatment is illegal under both federal and Texas law.
Discrimination can include:
Refusing to hire a qualified candidate because of a disability
Denying reasonable accommodations
Harassment based on a disability
Terminating or demoting an employee due to a disability
Retaliating against someone for requesting accommodations
Several laws protect the rights of workers with disabilities. The most important include:
The ADA is a federal law that prohibits private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies, and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities.
Key provisions include:
Employers with 15 or more employees must comply
Requires reasonable accommodations for known disabilities
Protects applicants and employees from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation
This state law mirrors many ADA protections but applies to Texas employers with 15 or more employees.
Texas law is enforced by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), which works with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to process complaints.
To be protected under the ADA and Texas law, you must be a qualified individual—someone who can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Examples of disabilities that may qualify include:
Mobility impairments (e.g., paralysis, amputation)
Chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy, HIV)
Sensory disabilities (e.g., blindness, deafness)
Mental health conditions (e.g., depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder)
Learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia)
It’s not necessary that the disability be visible. Invisible disabilities also qualify for protection.
A reasonable accommodation is any change in the workplace or in the way things are usually done that allows an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties, or enjoy equal benefits.
Examples include:
Modified work schedules
Work-from-home arrangements
Special equipment or software
Modified job duties
Physical workspace adjustments (e.g., ramps, desks, restrooms)
Employers are required to provide accommodations unless doing so would cause undue hardship—meaning significant difficulty or expense.
Disability discrimination can be subtle or blatant. Common real-world examples include:
A restaurant refuses to hire a hostess because she uses a wheelchair.
An accountant with PTSD requests a flexible work schedule, but the employer denies it without discussion.
An employee recovering from surgery is fired instead of being allowed time to heal or return with restrictions.
A manager repeatedly makes jokes about an employee’s disability, creating a hostile work environment.
A retail worker requests a stool due to a medical condition, and the request is denied, even though it wouldn’t affect job performance.
If you’ve experienced something similar, a disability discrimination lawyer can assess your case and advise you on next steps.
Keep written records of:
Conversations with HR or management
Accommodation requests
Any retaliatory actions or negative treatment
Emails, performance reviews, or memos
Put your request in writing and be specific about the assistance you need.
Follow your company’s internal reporting procedures. This could include filing a complaint with human resources or a supervisor.
In Texas, you can file with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). You must typically do this within 180 days of the discriminatory act.
A lawyer can help you determine if your rights have been violated, and whether you’re entitled to compensation or other remedies.
At The Lange Firm, we help employees navigate the legal system and stand up against disability discrimination. Our services include:
Evaluating your claim to see if it meets legal standards
Negotiating with your employer for accommodations, reinstatement, or severance
Filing charges with the EEOC or TWC
Representing you in mediation or court, if necessary
Fighting retaliation if your employer punishes you for asserting your rights
We offer strategic legal support tailored to Texas workers and understand both the emotional and professional toll discrimination can take.
No. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for:
Asking for accommodations
Reporting discrimination
Filing a complaint with a government agency
Participating in an investigation
If you’ve been demoted, harassed, transferred, or fired after asserting your rights, you may be entitled to:
Reinstatement
Back pay
Compensatory damages
Legal fees
Retaliation claims are often stronger when supported by documentation and legal representation.
In Texas, you typically have:
180 days to file a charge with the TWC
300 days to file with the EEOC, if the claim also violates federal law
If you miss these deadlines, you may lose the right to file a lawsuit. That’s why it’s critical to act quickly and speak with an attorney as soon as you suspect discrimination.
If your claim is successful, you may be awarded:
Lost wages and benefits
Reinstatement to your position
Compensatory damages for emotional distress
Punitive damages (in extreme cases)
Attorneys’ fees and court costs
Each case is unique. A lawyer can help you evaluate what damages you may be entitled to.
At The Lange Firm, we’re committed to fighting workplace injustice in all forms. We provide:
Compassionate, one-on-one guidance
In-depth knowledge of Texas employment laws
Aggressive representation when your rights are on the line
A clear legal strategy focused on results
We understand what’s at stake—your livelihood, your reputation, and your peace of mind. Let us help you fight back.
Disability discrimination has no place in the modern workplace. If you’ve been treated unfairly because of a disability, denied accommodations, or retaliated against, don’t stay silent. A knowledgeable disability discrimination lawyer in Texas can help you understand your rights and take meaningful action.
Contact The Lange Firm today to discuss your case confidentially and start building the protection you deserve.
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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.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome you to submit your claim for review. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.