Gender Discrimination Lawyer
Federal and Texas employment law requires all individuals to receive equal treatment in employment, without regard to sex or gender.
If you have been a victim of gender or gender identity discrimination, know that the law prohibits such treatment and provides recourse for victims.
The Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson fights for workers' rights in Plano, Frisco, Allen, TX, and surrounding North Dallas communities.
What Is Gender Discrimination?
Gender discrimination is the unequal treatment of an individual or group on the basis of their gender. The most common victims of gender discrimination are workers who are women, non-binary, or transgender.
Examples of Gender Discrimination
Common examples of gender discrimination include:
- Different pay for equal work
- Different benefit packages for equal work
- Discrepancies in hiring and firing practices or promotions
- Sexual harassment
- Employment decisions based on pregnancy, childbirth, or maternity leave
The discrimination does not have to be overt to be unlawful. An employer may not have explicit discriminatory policies, yet still may have a workplace culture in which gender and sex discrimination is the norm.
You Are Not Alone
Gender Discrimination Cases Are More Common Than You May Realize
In 2017, the Pew Research Center found that 42% of women faced discrimination at their job.
A more recent report from the Pew Research Center found that in 2022, American women earned just 82 cents for every dollar made by men. While younger women are closer to achieving wage parity, the pay gap tends to increase as women age.
A lawyer can help you fight against mistreatment in male-dominated professions and sexist workplaces.
Transgender Employees
Fighting Workplace Discrimination Against the LGBTQIA+ Community
Some employers are not accepting of people who are trans or non-binary despite growing support for these communities.
According to the Pew Research Center, 64% of American adults either favor or strongly favor laws that protect the transgender community from discrimination in workplaces, public spaces, and housing.
The Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson can help workers in Plano, Frisco, and nearby fight companies that discriminate against transgender and non-binary workers, advocating equal pay, equal benefits, and equal treatment.
Verdicts and Settlements What Our Allen Law Office Has Achieved for Past Gender Discrimination Clients
For sexual harassment against a paralegal in the workplace
For acts of gender discrimination against a salesperson
For an unpaid compensation claim by a female engineer
Contact Our Law Firm in Allen, TX The Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson Is Here to Help
If you are the victim of sex or gender identity discrimination and live in the Allen, Plano, or Frisco, TX, area, our law firm is here to help. Dan A. Atkerson is committed to combating workplace discrimination and wrongful termination. He has a record of diligent and successful employment law representation that spans almost four decades.
For more information about combating sex discrimination, contact our law firm in Allen, TX, or call the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson at:
(214) 383-3606
Attorney Dan A. Atkerson can identify state and federal laws that protect workers from discrimination and harassment.
A Workplace Attorney Texans Can Trust Fighting for the Rights of Workers in Allen and the Greater Dallas Area
Courtney Manning
Allen, TX
2024
Dan provided an exceptional experience. His transparency, efficiency, proactiveness, honesty, and extensive knowledge were truly commendable. The professionalism and confidence he exhibited in his work spoke volumes. Dan was dedicated to completing the job, and he delivered. Dan – working with you was a pleasure. If I could, I'd give 10 stars. THANK YOU!
View on GoogleRana Dunn
Allen, TX
2023
Dan Atkerson, Esq. was so respectful and his guidance was well thought out and successful with representing me. He is well known in Texas and has a great reputation based on his experience, which was important to me when choosing him for my specific legal situation. Great communication skills, and legal knowledge.
View on GoogleWhy We Should Work for You What Sets the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson Apart
A Lawyer for Four Decades
Dan A. Atkerson began practicing law in 1984, when he was admitted to the State Bar of Texas. As an attorney, he brings considerable courtroom knowledge to every employment law case.We've Worked with a Diverse Range of Clients
Mr. Atkerson has represented a diverse array of clients, including employees of Fortune 500 companies. Our law firm can handle all kinds of harassment and employment discrimination claims.We Take Cases on a Contingency Fee Basis
Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will only pay for a lawyer's services if you successfully settle or receive compensation in your employment discrimination case.Patient, Sympathetic Legal Representation
Our law firm listens to every client who comes to us. We will never rush you off the phone. Your story about the discrimination you faced at work is important to us. You will have our undivided attention.Dan A. Atkerson on Discrimination Cases A Skilled Attorney Breaks Down Workplace Mistreatment of a Protected Class
Were you treated unfairly at work? Were you harassed because you are a woman or a transgender person? You need an employment lawyer you can trust like Dan A. Atkerson. The team at his Allen labor attorney's office can hold companies accountable for discriminating against workers for their sex, gender presentation, and sexual orientation.
A Client Shares Her Experience Get Sound Legal Representation with a Sense of Urgency in Allen, TX
"Had an amazing experience with Dan! he communicates and has a sense of urgency. He was able to resolve my issue in less than a month." Sheila Bhimani
Legal Protections from Gender Discrimination Anti-Discrimination Federal Laws and Texas State Statutes
The Equal Pay Act
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 is another federal labor law that aimed to abolish the gender wage gap. The Equal Pay Act prohibits employers from paying preferential wages to workers of one gender while paying lower wages to workers of the opposite sex doing the same job. This helped ensure that workers receive equal pay for equal work.
The Texas Labor Code Chapter 21
In addition to federal wage laws noted above, the Texas Labor Code Chapter 21 prohibits workplace discrimination on the basis of an employee's race, disability, religion, sex, national origin, and age. Texas Labor Code Chapter 21 also outlaws discrimination because of or based on pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal statute that outlaws gender discrimination by employers. Contained within Title VII is the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. It prohibits employers from making decisions based on pregnancy or from treating pregnant women differently than other employees with medical conditions.
The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 is an amendment to the Civil Rights Act. It extends the time a person can file an equal pay lawsuit. Previously, employees had 180 days to file a claim over an unequal paycheck. Thanks to the amendment, a new 180-day statute of limitations begins with every paycheck affected by the discriminatory act.
Get the Support You Need to Fight Discrimination Schedule a Consultation at Our Law Firm in Allen, TX
Have you experienced discrimination or wrongful termination because you are a woman, non-binary, or trans? If so, you may have an actionable case against your employer. This includes seeking damages for lost wages, promotions, and benefits in addition to compensation for your pain, suffering, and mental anguish.
If you live in the Allen, Plano, or Frisco, TX, area and want to speak with a skilled employment law attorney about your case, contact our law firm online or call the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson at:
(214) 383-3606
An Attorney Who Stands Up to Companies Our Allen Law Firm Puts the Rights of Texas Workers First
Stephanie Me Me
Allen, TX
2023
Considering needing a lawyer to help with an employment issue is never something one looks forward to, Mr. Dan Atkerson helped to make this as smooth as possible. He was very professional, kept me in the loop at all times, and remained steadfast despite the hurdles personal to my specific case. I would highly recommend Mr. Atkerson and would trust him to represent me should I have a need in the future.
View on GoogleKendra Larach
Allen, TX
2023
AMAZING attorney! He is a SHARK!! He has your back and will help you through it. He is very reliable, responds promptly and gets to it very fast! 100% recomended! Don’t let your employer take advantage of you!
View on Google
Equal Work and Unequal Pay
Discrimination can affect all aspects of your job. We can help identify instances of gender-based pay disparity and other inequalities.
Gender Differences in Pay
Despite progress in workplace gender equality, women often do not make as much as men. This may be due to a lack of promotion and management opportunities but may also be linked to gender-based wage disparities.
Gender Differences in Benefits
Sex discrimination can also affect job benefits that women receive. For example, a woman's husband may not be covered by her employer-sponsored health insurance benefits, while a male co-worker's wife may be covered under the same company's insurance.
Other Inequities Rooted in Discrimination
Sex discrimination could also affect your commissions, vacation time, clothing allowances, company-sponsored mobile or internet services, and work-from-home arrangements.
Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Combating a Toxic Work Culture and Discriminatory Practices
Sexual harassment at the workplace can take many forms, including unwanted sexual advances and offensive comments or imagery. Gender-based discrimination is a major factor in these kinds of cases.
Quid Pro Quo
"Quid pro quo" is a Latin phrase that means "a favor for a favor." Quid pro quo sexual harassment means that a promotion or continued employment is contingent on accepting a co-worker's sexual advances. Bosses and supervisors often abuse their power through this form of direct harassment. Our law firm will hold co-workers accountable for their unwanted advances or propositions.
Hostile Working Environment
A more common form of sexual harassment, a hostile working environment refers to co-workers engaging in behaviors that interfere with your job performance. This may include crude comments that target your gender, or subtle acts of intimidation that are veiled forms of discrimination. A skilled lawyer can identify different kinds of actions that contribute to a toxic workplace.
Speak with a Lawyer
About What Happened to You
Contact Dan A. Atkerson Today
Have you hit the glass ceiling at your company when it comes to pay or career advancement? Did a supervisor proposition or belittle you because of your sex or gender? You need to speak with a discrimination and sexual harassment lawyer.
Attorney Dan A. Atkerson can help you hold your company accountable by seeking restitution. To set up a legal consultation, contact our law office in Allen, TX.
(214) 383-3606
Our Law Firm Helps Ensure Fairness at Texas Workplaces Another Client in Allen, TX, Shares Her Experience
"Mr. Atkerson made everything seamless. I would definitely recommend him for anyone having issues with how they're being treated within their company." Melinda Lewis
Maternity and Pregnancy Discrimination Our Allen Law Firm Supports Working Mothers
Examples of Pregnancy Discrimination
Employers can discriminate against women in numerous ways throughout their pregnancy. Some common examples include demotion, pay cuts, unrequested reduction in work hours, job reassignment, and creating a hostile work environment.Reasonable Accommodations During Pregnancy
Women are entitled to reasonable accommodations to account for their health and the health of their unborn child. This includes being assigned less strenuous work duties. Our law firm can help if an employer does not comply with accommodation requests.Right to Maternity Leave
Acts of gender discrimination could involve restrictions on paid or unpaid leave. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows mothers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for medical reasons, which includes childbirth and maternity leave.Protection from Termination and Retaliation
Employers cannot fire or lay off an employee because she is pregnant or took time off to give birth and look after her child. Our law firm will stand with you and hold companies that discriminate against pregnant women accountable.
Pregnancy Discrimination Can Affect Your Health
Mistreatment at Work Puts You and Your Baby's Well-Being at Risk
Gender discrimination over pregnancy and childbirth undermines more than just your professional life. The stress you experience can affect your health as well as the health of your child.
According to a 2021 study in the Journal of Applied Psychology, women who perceived that they were being discriminated against because of their pregnancy were more likely to experience postpartum depression. Furthermore, the stress during pregnancy affected their newborn child, resulting in lower birth weights, lower gestational age, and the need for additional doctor visits after childbirth.
A lawyer can take these matters into account as part of the litigation process against your employer.
Wrongful Termination and Gender Discrimination
Being Fired Due to Your Sex
Texas is an at-will state, which means that an employee can technically be fired for any reason. However, it is unlawful to fire an employee based on their sex or other aspects of their identity. It is also illegal to retaliate against workers who take maternity or medical leave. Looking at the circumstances of your case, a workplace lawyer can determine if you were wrongfully fired because of your gender and build a solid case on your behalf.
Compensation and Recovery
In these kinds of employment law cases, our law firm will seek to recover financial losses associated with losing your job. This includes lost wages, lost employment benefits, and the emotional pain and suffering you experienced. If your employer defamed you in addition to firing you, the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson can also help restore your reputation so you can continue pursuing your career without further professional adversity.
