If you’ve been unfairly treated at work because of your age, you deserve justice. At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, our Waco age discrimination lawyers are dedicated to protecting employees from unlawful workplace practices. With over 20 years of experience in employment law, we’ve successfully represented Waco, TX, residents in age discrimination cases. Contact us today for a free, confidential case review. 

 

What Is Age Discrimination? 

Age discrimination occurs when an employer mistreats an employee or job applicant due to their age, typically targeting those 40 and older. This is prohibited under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Texas Labor Code Chapter 21. These laws protect employees and applicants in workplaces with 20 or more employees (ADEA) or 15 or more (Texas law). Common examples of age discrimination include: 

• Denying promotions raises, or training opportunities due to age 
• Wrongful termination or layoffs targeting older workers 
• Harassment, such as ageist comments or jokes, creates a hostile work environment 
• Passing over qualified older candidates for hiring in favor of younger, less-qualified individuals 
• Reducing hours, pay, or benefits based on age 
• Forcing older employees into early retirement through pressure or incentives 

 

Our Waco age discrimination attorneys at SYT Firm can help you identify if you’ve been a victim and take action to hold employers accountable. 

 

Key Information Clients Need to Know About Age Discrimination 

Understanding age discrimination is critical to protecting your rights. Here’s what clients in Waco need to know: 

• Legal Protections: The ADEA applies to employers with 20 or more employees, while Texas Labor Code Chapter 21 covers those with 15 or more. Both laws prohibit age-based discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, pay, and other employment terms and conditions. They also protect against retaliation for reporting discrimination. 
• Common Workplace Scenarios: Age discrimination often occurs during layoffs (e.g., targeting older workers to reduce costs), hiring (e.g., preferring younger candidates for “cultural fit”), or promotions (e.g., assuming older employees lack tech skills or ambition). It can also involve subtle biases, like excluding older workers from key projects. 
• Signs of Discrimination: Look for patterns, such as younger employees receiving preferential treatment, ageist remarks (e.g., “too old to learn new systems”), or sudden negative performance reviews after years of strong evaluations. Disparate treatment compared to younger colleagues is a red flag. 
• Employer Defenses: Employers may claim decisions were based on performance, cost-cutting, or “reasonable factors other than age” (RFOA). Our attorneys are skilled at countering these defenses by proving that age was a determining factor, using evidence such as company policies, emails, or witness statements. 
• Proving Your Case: To succeed, you must show: (1) you’re 40 or older, (2) you were qualified for the job or promotion, (3) you faced an adverse employment action, and (4) age was a factor (e.g., younger employees were treated better). We help you build a strong case with solid evidence. 
• Retaliation Risks: Employers cannot legally fire, demote, or harass you for reporting age discrimination. If they do, you may have grounds for a separate retaliation claim. 

 

Time is critical. Federal and Texas laws impose strict deadlines for filing claims, so consult our age discrimination lawyers at Scanes Yelverton Talbert promptly to protect your rights. 

 

Why Choose SYT Firm for Age Discrimination Claims in Waco? 

At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP, we’re more than attorneys; we’re advocates who stand with you. Here’s why Waco residents choose us: 

• Proven Expertise: Over 20 years of success in employment law, with a focus on age discrimination cases. 
• Personalized Approach: We tailor our legal strategies to your unique case, ensuring you feel heard and supported. 
• Local Commitment: As a Waco-based firm, we’re deeply invested in our community and its workforce. 
• Transparent Process: We explain every step in clear, jargon-free language, keeping you informed. 
• No Upfront Costs: We offer free consultations and often work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome. 

 

How Our Waco Age Discrimination Lawyers Can Help 

Navigating an age discrimination claim can be complex, but our experienced attorneys make it straightforward. Here’s how we assist: 

• Free Case Evaluation: We assess your situation to determine if age discrimination occurred under the ADEA or Texas law. 
• Evidence Gathering: We collect critical evidence, including employment records, performance reviews, emails, and witness testimonies. 
• Customized Strategy: We develop a tailored plan to pursue compensation, reinstatement, or other remedies. 
• Negotiation and Litigation: We negotiate with employers for fair settlements or represent you in court with aggressive advocacy. 
• Ongoing Support: We supply regular updates, answer questions, and support you through the process as best we can to help minimize your stress. 

 

Potential Compensation 

A successful claim may recover: 

• Back pay for lost wages and benefits 
• Compensation for emotional distress 
• Liquidated damages (up to double back pay) for willful violations 
• Reinstatement or front pay if returning to work isn’t possible 
• Attorney fees and legal costs 

 

Don’t let age discrimination harm your career. Schedule your free consultation with our team today. 

 

What to Do If You Suspect Age Discrimination 

If you believe you’re facing age discrimination, taking timely action strengthens your case. Follow these steps: 

• Take Notes: Make sure you record the discriminatory conduct, or actions, with as many details as possible (dates, times, people involved, correspondence in emails, texts or memos). 
• Review Policies: Check your employee handbook for anti-discrimination policies and report any issues internally if it is safe to do so. 
• Preserve Evidence: Save copies of performance reviews, pay stubs, or documents showing unfair treatment. 
• Consult a Lawyer: Contact a age discrimination lawyer  at SYT Firm to evaluate your case and protect your rights. 
• File a Claim: Our attorneys can help file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). 
• Key Deadlines: You have 180 days to file an EEOC charge or 300 days if the TWC is involved. Missing these deadlines could bar your claim, so act quickly. 

 

Contact Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP Today 

Age discrimination can damage your career, finances, and well-being. Our Waco age discrimination lawyers at SYT Firm are here to fight for your rights and secure justice. With deep roots in Waco and a proven track record, we’re the team you can trust. 

Call us at (254) 399-8788 to schedule your free, confidential case review. Take the first step toward justice today.