Dallas Employment Lawyer Blog

New Muldrow decision makes it clear that proving illegal discrimination does not require showing financial harm.

April 19, 2024 | Robert J. Wiley

Summary: This article discusses the holding and implications of the Supreme Court decision in Muldrow v. City of St. Louis.

In the U.S. Supreme Court’s April 17, 2024, decision in Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, the Court reversed a lower court decision dismissing a police officer’s lawsuit over being transferred to a worse position because of sex. This reinstated her case. In concert with the Fifth Circuit’s decision in Hamilton v. Dallas County, 79 F.4th 494 (5th Cir. 2023), Muldrow hopefully represents a coming trend of courts finally rolling back decades of judge-made roadblocks to employees’ abilities to enforce their civil rights. Courts applying the law as written should give employees greater protections by removing opportunities for judges’ preconceptions or assumptions (often about people in very different circumstances from themselves) to get mixed into their rulings.

In Muldrow, the lower appellate court (the Eighth Circuit) decided that because Ms. Muldrow’s transfer did not change her rank or pay, she could not prove discrimination even if she really was transferred because of her sex. Although there was evidence the new position Ms. Muldrow was moved to was less prestigious within the department, had fewer responsibilities and perks, came with a worse schedule, and required her to give up her work vehicle, the Eighth Circuit reached that decision because it did not think those changes were “significant” enough to constitute discrimination.

Understanding Retaliation Provisions Under the Texas Health and Safety Code

March 25, 2024 | Riley Carter

Dallas Employment Trial Lawyer Riley Carter

In Texas, the laws governing workplace safety are robustly outlined within the Texas Health and Safety Code. Among its provisions lies protection against retaliation, ensuring that employees who report safety violations or participate in safety-related activities are shielded from adverse actions by their employers. Understanding these retaliation provisions is crucial for both employers and employees to uphold a safe and fair working environment.

The Texas Health and Safety Code, specifically Sections 260A.014, 161.134, and 142.003 prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who exercise their rights under the code. These rights include reporting safety violations, filing complaints, or participating in investigations regarding workplace health and safety.

Federally Protected Leave vs. Sick Leave: What’s the Difference?

March 25, 2024 | Robert J. Wiley

As an employee, understanding the nuances between the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and company sick leave policies is crucial. Both provide avenues for taking time off work due to illness or family-related reasons, but they come with distinct differences that can significantly impact your rights and protections. I

Understanding FMLA Leave:

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for specific family and medical reasons. These reasons include the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition, or attending to one’s own serious health condition that renders the employee unable to perform their job duties.

The maximum recovery rule: how judges’ “perceptions” can re-write verdicts

February 5, 2024 | Robert J. Wiley

Summary: This article explores one aspect of the recent case Harris v. FedEx as a cautionary tale to employees that proving their case before a jury may be far from the end of their fight.

In late 2022, a federal jury in Houston made national headlines when it awarded former FedEx employee Jennifer Harris $366 million dollars in damages in her race discrimination suit against the shipping company. What has made far less of a splash (at least outside legal circles) is what happened later: in early 2024 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a “remittitur.” Latin for “send back,” the court’s order reduced the jury verdict down to about .07% of the original amount—just under $250,000.

U.S. law students are generally taught that courts like to treat jury decisions as a “black box,” meaning they don’t like to examine them too closely and will defer to the jury on issues of fact. This case illustrates that that is not necessarily the case: even when an employee can prove that their employer violated the law, they may not be allowed to keep what the jury decided they deserve.

Navigating Love in the Workplace: Valentine’s Day and Employment Law

January 11, 2024 | Robert J. Wiley

As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air, but it’s essential to strike a balance between romance and professionalism in the workplace. For employees navigating relationships at work, understanding the implications of Valentine’s Day festivities and workplace dynamics is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Valentine’s Day intersects with employment law and the potential legal considerations that employees should be aware of, with the guidance of a plaintiff’s employment law firm.

Many people spend a significant portion of their waking hours at work, making it a common place for relationships to develop. While workplace romances are not inherently problematic, they can give rise to legal issues if not managed appropriately.

As long as relationships are consensual and do not create a hostile work environment, they are generally permissible. However, it’s crucial for employees to remain aware of company policies regarding workplace relationships, as some organizations may have specific guidelines in place.

Navigating Employment Law: Your Guide to Taking Leave Over the Holidays

December 22, 2023 | Riley Carter

Dallas Employment Trial Lawyer Riley Carter

As the holiday season approaches, many employees find themselves yearning for quality time with family and friends. Taking leave during this festive time is a common practice, but it’s crucial to understand the legal implications and rights associated with holiday leave under employment law.

Understanding Your Leave Entitlement

Empowering Employees: Navigating Workplace Rights in the New Year

December 14, 2023 | Robert J. Wiley

As we welcome a new year, it’s an opportune time for employees to empower themselves by understanding their rights in the workplace. Knowledge is a powerful tool, and when employees are aware of their rights, they can contribute to a fair and healthy work environment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of knowing your rights as an employee and how this knowledge can lead to greater empowerment and workplace satisfaction.

The Foundation of Workplace Rights

At the core of empowering employees is a solid understanding of the foundational rights that protect them in the workplace. These rights encompass various aspects, including but not limited to:

What doctors should keep in mind if their patient needs workplace accommodations

November 30, 2023 | Robert J. Wiley

Summary: This article addresses a few common stumbling blocks we have seen when doctors fill out accommodation paperwork.

Because of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), employees with disabilities have a right to receive reasonable accommodations for a disability from their employer that will allow them to continue to perform the “essential functions” of their job. Employers, in turn, are permitted to ask for reasonable documentation to show that an employee has a disability and needs an accommodation, if those things are not open and obvious.

If that paperwork is requested, employees usually need to get it through their doctor(s). However, our Firm has come across numerous situations where the employer turns around and uses that paperwork against the employee, either to deny an accommodation or even to immediately fire them. That may violate the ADA, which requires employers to engage in an “interactive process” and work with the employee on reasonably accommodating them.

Empowering Change: Tackling Gender Discrimination in the Workplace with Legal Support

November 16, 2023 | Robert J. Wiley

In the pursuit of professional success and fulfillment, the workplace should be a fair and inclusive environment for everyone. However, the persistent issue of gender discrimination continues to cast a shadow over the career paths of many individuals. In this blog post, we will delve into the nuances of gender discrimination in the workplace, emphasizing the critical role that legal support plays in empowering victims to stand against injustice and fostering environments that champion equality.

The Silent Struggle: Gender Discrimination Unveiled

Gender discrimination takes various forms, often manifesting as unequal pay, limited opportunities for career advancement, biased hiring practices, and a hostile work environment. It’s a pervasive issue that affects individuals across industries, irrespective of their qualifications or skills. Recognizing the signs of gender discrimination is the first step toward addressing this systemic problem.

Critique of the Supreme Court’s Code of Conduct: The Issue of Enforcement

November 16, 2023 | Robert J. Wiley

Dallas Employment Trial Lawyer Rob Wiley

The Supreme Court plays a crucial role for Texas employment lawyers representing employees due to its power to interpret and set precedents in federal employment law. Decisions made by the Court on issues like workplace discrimination, wage and hour laws, and employees’ rights under federal statutes directly impact the legal framework within which Texas employment lawyers operate. These rulings can either expand or limit the rights and protections available to employees in Texas. It is vital that the Supreme Court maintain the highest ethics of any court.

Sadly, I am unimpressed with the new Code of Conduct issued by the Supreme Court. While this initiative is commendable for attempting to consolidate ethical standards, it crucially falls short in one major area: enforcement.