Certain characteristics are protected against discrimination under both and federal laws in Dumas and other communities of Texas. Under state and Federal law, both private and public employers in Dumas may be found liable for discrimination, depending on what type of trait originally prompted the discrimination.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

Employment discrimination occurs if an employer treats you wrongly because of your membership in a legally protected category. Employers may not base their evaluations of you on certain traits including religion, race, age, gender, national origin, and familial status. In order for a claim of employment discrimination to be proven, a Dumas, Texas plaintiff must show that his (or her) employer actively intended to treat him differently because of his protected status.

How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Texas?

This may be proved when there is a history of the employer treating members of the class similarly, or if witnesses testify about the employer's statements which would constitute bias as understood by a reasonable person. Additionally, employers who fire someone or retaliate against them for bringing a discrimination lawsuit are clearly in violation of the law.

The procedure for pursuing an employment discrimination claim is complicated, since it involves filing a claim with specific agencies. A Dumas, Texas lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can assist you in pursuing any available remedies.