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Retaliation Lawyer in Texas (2025): How to Fight Back When Your Employer Crosses the Line

You stood up for yourself. Maybe you reported harassment, filed a complaint about unpaid wages, or supported a coworker’s discrimination claim. Next thing you know—you’re demoted, written up, or even fired. Sound familiar?

That could be illegal retaliation, and you don’t have to face it alone.

If your employer punished you for asserting your rights, a retaliation lawyer can help you take action. Here’s what you need to know.

What Counts as Retaliation?

Retaliation happens when an employer takes negative action against an employee because they engaged in a protected activity—like filing a complaint, reporting misconduct, or refusing to participate in illegal acts.

Examples of protected activity include:

• Reporting harassment or discrimination (race, gender, disability, etc.)

• Complaining about unpaid wages or overtime violations

• Requesting FMLA leave or a reasonable accommodation

• Participating in an investigation or lawsuit

• Reporting safety concerns or whistleblowing

Retaliation can take many forms:

• Termination

• Demotion or denial of promotion

• Sudden schedule changes

• Harassment or hostility

• Pay cuts

• Isolation or exclusion from meetings/projects

Can You Sue for Retaliation in Texas?

Yes. Both Texas state law and federal law protect employees from retaliation.

You may have a case under:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

• Texas Labor Code

• Whistleblower Protection Act (if you work in the public sector)

A retaliation lawyer can help you file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)—and, if needed, pursue your case in court.

Real-Life Example: The Price of Speaking Up

Let’s say Maria, a nurse in Houston, reports unsafe patient care conditions to her supervisor. Two weeks later, she’s written up for “insubordination” and moved to a less desirable shift.

Her performance was previously spotless. The timing isn’t a coincidence. This could be a strong retaliation case.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Retaliation?

1. Document Everything

   • Save emails, texts, write-ups, and performance reviews

   • Keep a timeline of events: when you complained, what changed afterward

2. Stay Calm and Professional

   • Don’t give your employer ammunition to claim poor behavior

3. File a Complaint

   • Depending on the issue, file with HR, the EEOC, or TWC

4. Talk to a Retaliation Lawyer

   • Don’t wait—timing matters. Most claims have short deadlines (as little as 180 days)

How The Lange Firm Can Help

At The Lange Firm, we take retaliation seriously. We help clients across Texas:

• Understand their legal rights and options

• File formal charges with the right agencies

• Collect the evidence needed to prove retaliation

• Negotiate severance or reinstatement

• Take employers to court when necessary

Whether you’re still employed or were recently fired, we’ll help you make the next move.

What Can You Recover in a Retaliation Case?

If you win a retaliation case, you may be entitled to:

• Reinstatement to your old job

• Lost wages and benefits

• Compensation for emotional distress

• Punitive damages (in extreme cases)

• Legal fees

Final Takeaway

Standing up for your rights shouldn’t cost you your job. If you’re dealing with workplace retaliation, don’t stay silent.

Contact The Lange Firm today for a consultation with an experienced retaliation lawyer. We’ll help you protect your rights—and fight back if your employer crosses the line.