Houston Age Discrimination Lawyer

Age Discrimination & Wrongful Termination Lawsuits in Texas

When older workers are let go, and younger ones are hired to replace them; when younger workers get all the promotions and perks while older ones are passed over; when older workers' benefits are canceled but not younger ones’—something may seem wrong. Indeed, it probably is if such actions violate the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). This act is one of the federal laws prohibiting job discrimination/retaliation that is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

According to the EEOC, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits employers from making employment decisions based on age, particularly for workers age 40 and older. This includes actions that directly or indirectly disadvantage older employees in the workplace.

Common examples of prohibited conduct include:

• Age-based job postings: Job advertisements that express a preference for younger candidates or include age limits, unless age is a legally recognized bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ).
• Discrimination in training or advancement programs: Excluding older workers from apprenticeship programs, promotions, or professional development opportunities based on age.
• Unequal benefits: Reducing or denying benefits to older employees unless the employer can meet strict legal requirements regarding cost equivalency.

In practice, unlawful age discrimination is often more subtle. You may notice:

• Sudden negative performance reviews after years of positive feedback
• Comments about needing “younger” or “more energetic” employees
• Pressure to retire or step aside for newer staff
• Being passed over for promotions in favor of less experienced, younger workers

If you are age 40 or older and experiencing these types of changes in Houston or elsewhere in Texas, it may be time to speak with an age discrimination lawyer who can evaluate whether your employer’s actions violate federal or state law.

If you believe you have been a victim of age discrimination on the job in Texas, or anywhere in the United States, the Houston employment law firm Shellist Lazarz Slobin invites you to contact us to discuss the possibility of an age discrimination lawsuit or claim. Our Houston age discrimination attorneys have the resources, the knowledge, and the persistence necessary to investigate your claims in an efficient manner.

Do not wait to protect your rights after suspected age discrimination. Speak with an experienced Houston age discrimination lawyer now by completing our online form or calling (713) 352-3433 to schedule your consultation.

Are You Experiencing Age Discrimination at Work in Houston, Texas?

Our firm has experience investigating and pursuing discrimination claims for employees throughout Texas and across the nation. We can take action to prevent or remedy unlawful acts of age discrimination. Our Houston age discrimination lawyers will walk you through the process of filing a complaint with the EEOC and/or filing an age discrimination lawsuit if we can show that wrongful termination, failure to promote, or failure to hire at your workplace has been based on age.

Steps To Take After Suspected Age Discrimination

If you suspect that you have been targeted because of your age, it can be hard to know what to do first. Taking the right steps early can help protect your job, preserve important evidence, and support any legal claim you may decide to bring later. While every situation is different, there are some practical actions that many workers in Houston and throughout Texas can consider when they believe they have experienced unlawful age-based treatment.

Start by documenting what has happened, including dates, times, the names of people involved, and copies of emails, performance reviews, or policy changes that seem connected to your age. You may also want to follow any internal reporting procedures your employer has in place, such as contacting human resources or submitting a written complaint, while keeping copies of everything you send. If you work in or near downtown Houston, for example, it can also be helpful to note whether key meetings or decisions occurred shortly before or after company-wide changes such as restructurings or reductions in force, as timing can matter in employment cases.

Before you file a charge with the EEOC or the Texas Workforce Commission, it is often wise to talk with a Houston age discrimination attorney about deadlines, what information to include, and how your choices might affect your job and potential claims. We can explain how the charge process works for employees in the Houston area, how it may ultimately lead to a lawsuit in federal court if necessary, and what you can expect at each stage so you can make informed decisions about how to move forward.

We regularly guide clients through the deadlines and procedural rules that apply to age claims, including filing charges with the EEOC or the Texas Workforce Commission before a lawsuit can be brought in court. Because many age discrimination cases in the Houston area ultimately involve proceedings in the federal courthouse in downtown Houston or related administrative hearings, having an age discrimination attorney who is familiar with these venues can be important to protecting your rights at every stage.

If your employer is treating you differently because of your age, take action now. Contact our Houston age discrimination attorneys at (713) 352-3433 for a Consultation.