The Estate of The Union Podcast – Understanding Your Rights in the Workplace is out now.
Employment disputes can arise at any stage of a person’s career. Whether involving workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, or disagreements over compensation, understanding your legal rights can make a significant difference.
In a recent episode of Estate of the Union: Estate Planning Made Simple, Texas Trust Law attorney Zach Wiewel sat down with Austin Kaplan, founder of Kaplan Law Firm, to discuss employment law, civil rights, and the steps employees can take to protect themselves.
What Rights Do Employees Have?
Federal and state laws provide important protections against workplace discrimination. These protections address discrimination based on characteristics such as race, religion, sex, age, and disability, as well as certain forms of workplace harassment.
Kaplan explained that his firm represents individuals at all levels of employment, from hourly workers to corporate executives, helping them navigate workplace disputes and understand their legal options.
Age Discrimination and Wrongful Termination
One particularly important topic discussed was age discrimination. Under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act, employees age 40 and older receive protections against age-based discrimination.
For employees approaching retirement, an unexpected termination can have serious financial consequences. In certain circumstances, individuals who have experienced unlawful age discrimination may be entitled to recover lost wages and other damages.
Kaplan emphasized that employees who suspect they were terminated for discriminatory reasons should consider speaking with an attorney rather than simply accepting the employer’s explanation.
What Should You Do if You Suspect Workplace Discrimination?
If you believe your employer has violated your rights, taking the appropriate steps early can help protect your interests.
Kaplan offered several practical recommendations:
- Document important events. Keep records of relevant communications, performance reviews, and employment decisions.
- Preserve appropriate employment records. Pay stubs, offer letters, and performance evaluations may help establish your employment history. Avoid improperly accessing or retaining confidential company information.
- Avoid taking matters into your own hands. Removing company property, deleting records, or downloading unauthorized documents can create additional legal problems.
- Seek legal advice early. An employment attorney may be able to help resolve a dispute before termination or litigation becomes necessary.
Importantly, seeking legal guidance does not automatically mean filing a lawsuit. In many situations, an attorney can help employees negotiate solutions while preserving their professional relationships.
Protecting Your Career and Financial Future
Although employment law and estate planning address different legal concerns, both share an important objective: helping individuals protect their financial security and plan for the future.
At Texas Trust Law, we understand the importance of having a plan that protects your family and provides peace of mind. Just as employment attorneys help individuals navigate uncertainty in their careers, thoughtful estate planning helps families prepare for life’s unexpected challenges.
To learn more about workplace rights and employment disputes, visit Kaplan Law Firm.
For assistance with estate planning, trusts, or probate matters, contact Texas Trust Law at (512) 480-8828.
In each episode of The Estate of The Union podcast, hosts and lawyers Zach Wiewel and Brad Wiewel will give valuable insights into the confusing world of estate planning, making an often daunting subject easier to understand. It is Estate Planning Made Simple! The Estate of The Union Podcast – Understanding Your Rights in the Workplace is out now.
The episode can be found on Spotify, Apple podcasts, or anywhere you get your podcasts. If you would prefer to watch the video version, please visit our YouTube page. Please click on the links to listen to or watch the new installment of The Estate of The Union podcast. We hope you enjoy it.
Texas Trust Law focuses its practice exclusively in the area of wills, probate, estate planning, asset protection, and special needs planning. Brad Wiewel is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We provide estate planning services, asset protection planning, business planning, and retirement exit strategies.
This information is NOT intended to be used as legal or tax advice, nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship with Texas Trust Law or any of its attorneys. Please contact your own appropriate advisors to discuss the benefits and effects of any particular legal, charitable & tax strategy.