Understanding Age Discrimination Claims in Waco: A Guide for Workers Over 40 

In today’s workplace, experience should be an asset, not a liability. Unfortunately, many workers in Waco and across Central Texas face discrimination once they reach their 40s, 50s, or beyond. Whether it occurs during the hiring process, a promotion decision, or a sudden termination, age discrimination is not only unfair, but it’s also illegal under federal law. 

 

At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, we help workers in Waco, Texas, understand their rights and pursue justice when they’ve been mistreated because of their age. If you’re 40 or older and believe you’ve been targeted due to your age, our experienced employment attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way. 

 

What Is Age Discrimination? 

Age discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant less favorably because of their age, specifically if the individual is 40 years of age or older. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is the federal law that protects older workers from this kind of treatment. 

 

Common examples of age discrimination include: 

• Being passed over for promotion in favor of a younger, less qualified candidate 
• Sudden negative performance reviews despite years of solid work 
• Layoffs that disproportionately affect older employees 
• Being told you're “overqualified” during the hiring process 
• Age-based comments, jokes, or pressure to retire 
• Changes in responsibilities meant to push older workers out 

 

These are not just bad business practices, they may violate your legal rights. 

 

Am I Protected Under the ADEA? 

The ADEA applies to: 

• Workers age 40 and over 
• Private employers with 20 or more employees 
• Federal, state, and local governments 
• Employment agencies and labor organizations 

 

If you work in or near Waco and fall into these categories, you are protected from discrimination based on age in hiring, firing, promotions, training, compensation, and other terms of employment. 

 

How Do I Know If I Have a Case? 

Not all unfair treatment qualifies as age discrimination. To bring a successful claim, you typically need to show that: 

1. You are 40 years of age or older 
2. You were qualified for your position 
3. You suffered an adverse employment action (e.g., firing, demotion, passed over for promotion) 
4. You were treated less favorably than a younger, similarly situated employee 

 

Even if your employer claims your termination was for “performance” or “restructuring,” we can investigate whether those explanations are masking a discriminatory motive. 

 

Filing an Age Discrimination Claim in Waco 

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against because of your age, you must act quickly. In Texas, most age discrimination claims must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory act with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). In some cases, the deadline may be extended to 300 days. 

 

Here’s how the process typically works: 

1. File a Charge of Discrimination with the EEOC or TWC 
2. The agency investigates and may propose mediation 
3. If no resolution is reached, you may receive a Notice of Right to Sue 
4. You can then file a lawsuit in federal court 

 

Our team at SYT can walk you through each step, from filing a timely claim to preparing your case if litigation becomes necessary. 

 

What Can I Recover in an Age Discrimination Case? 

If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to: 

• Back pay (lost wages and benefits) 
• Reinstatement (in some cases) 
• Front pay (future lost earnings if reinstatement isn’t possible) 
• Liquidated damages (up to double your lost wages in willful violations) 
• Attorney’s fees and court costs 

 

We understand how difficult it can be to face age discrimination, especially after years or decades of dedicated service. At SYT, we fight to restore your financial stability and personal dignity. 

 

Why Choose Scanes Yelverton Talbert for Age Discrimination Cases in Waco? 

Our firm is deeply rooted in Waco, Texas, and we are proud to represent employees across the region in complex employment law matters. We bring: 

• Decades of combined legal experience  
• A proven record in employment discrimination cases 
• Personal, responsive service tailored to your needs 
• Strategic, no-nonsense legal representation every step of the way 

 

When your livelihood, your reputation, and your future are at stake, you need a legal team that knows how to fight and how to win. 

 

Take the First Step Today 

If you suspect that age discrimination has impacted your job in Waco or anywhere in Central Texas, don’t wait. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better positioned you’ll be to protect your rights and preserve evidence. Call our firm today at (254) 399-8788 to get the justice you deserve.