Before proceeding, please review the  legal disclaimer.

Retaliation Lawyer in Texas: Know Your Rights and How to Fight Back

Standing up for yourself at work shouldn’t cost you your job, your reputation, or your future. But for many Texas workers, speaking up about discrimination, harassment, wage violations, or safety concerns leads to exactly that—retaliation.

If your employer punishes you for exercising your legal rights, it’s not just unfair—it may be illegal. A retaliation lawyer can help you understand your rights, file a complaint, and seek the compensation you deserve.

What Is Workplace Retaliation?

Retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for engaging in a protected activity—such as reporting wrongdoing or asserting legal rights.

Common forms of retaliation include:

• Termination or layoff
  
  
• Demotion or denial of promotion
  
  
• Pay cuts or loss of benefits
  
  
• Unfavorable schedule changes
  
  
• Harassment or intimidation
  
  
• Negative performance reviews after a complaint
  
  
• Isolation or exclusion from meetings or opportunities
  
  

💡 If these actions happen shortly after you filed a complaint or engaged in a protected activity, it may be a clear sign of retaliation.

Examples of Protected Activities

You are protected by law when you:

• Report discrimination or harassment
  
  
• File a complaint with HR or a government agency
  
  
• Testify in a co-worker’s discrimination case
  
  
• Report wage theft or overtime violations
  
  
• Refuse to engage in illegal activities
  
  
• Request reasonable accommodations for disabilities or pregnancy
  
  
• Take FMLA leave
  
  
• Report workplace safety violations
  
  
• File a workers’ compensation claim
  
  

An employer cannot punish you for doing any of the above—even if your complaint turns out to be unsubstantiated.

Which Laws Protect You from Retaliation?

Several federal and Texas laws prohibit retaliation, including:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
  
  
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  
  
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
  
  
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  
  
• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
  
  
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  
  
• Texas Labor Code Chapter 21
  
  

These laws apply to public and private employers and protect employees at all levels.

How Do You Prove Retaliation?

A retaliation lawyer will look for:

1. Protected Activity – Proof you engaged in a legally protected act
   
   
2. Adverse Action – Evidence of negative action by your employer
   
   
3. Causal Connection – A clear link between the two (e.g., timing, patterns, statements)
   
   

📁 Strong evidence might include:

• Emails or texts
  
  
• Witness statements
  
  
• Performance evaluations before and after the incident
  
  
• Written complaints
  
  
• HR reports or memos
  
  

What Can a Retaliation Lawyer Do for You?

A retaliation attorney can:

• Evaluate whether your case qualifies for legal protection
  
  
• Help you file a complaint with the EEOC or Texas Workforce Commission
  
  
• Represent you in mediation, arbitration, or court
  
  
• Negotiate a fair settlement
  
  
• Prevent further retaliation through legal action
  
  
• Recover compensation for the harm you’ve suffered
  
  

Most importantly, they will help you stand up without standing alone.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to:

How Long Do You Have to File a Retaliation Claim?

🕒 Deadlines matter. In most cases:

• You must file with the EEOC or TWC within 180–300 days of the retaliatory act
  
  
• For wage-related retaliation under FLSA, you have 2–3 years
  
  
• Whistleblower retaliation under Texas law may have shorter deadlines
  
  

⚠️ Missing the deadline may bar you from recovering anything, so act quickly.

What If You’re Still Employed?

You don’t need to quit to file a claim. In fact, many employees file retaliation claims while still on the job. Your attorney can help you:

• Navigate the complaint discreetly
  
  
• Protect yourself from further harm
  
  
• Keep records of ongoing retaliation
  
  

Filing a claim may actually protect your job by holding your employer accountable.

What If You’ve Already Been Fired?

If you’ve been terminated for reporting something protected by law, you may have a strong wrongful termination claim in addition to retaliation.

A retaliation lawyer will review your firing and determine if you were:

• Terminated unfairly
  
  
• Denied severance or final pay
  
  
• Blacklisted in your industry
  
  
• Harassed after leaving the company
  
  

The Lange Firm: Advocating for Retaliation Victims Across Texas

At The Lange Firm, we understand how hard it is to speak up—especially when it means risking your job. But the law is on your side, and we’re here to help you assert your rights and recover your dignity.

Whether you’ve been demoted, fired, or just silenced—we’ll fight to hold your employer accountable.

📞 Contact us today for a private consultation and take the first step toward justice.

Final Thoughts

Retaliation is not just wrong—it’s illegal. If you’ve been punished for doing the right thing, a Texas retaliation lawyer can help you reclaim your voice, your paycheck, and your future.

✅ Don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.