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Racial Discrimination Lawyer

Are you treated differently at work, or do you experience a hostile work environment, because of your race or your national origin?

Since 1984, employment lawyer Dan A. Atkerson has represented employees in race discrimination claims against employers of all sizes.

If you have experienced racial discrimination in the workplace, contact our firm in Allen, TX, to discuss your legal options.

Racial Discrimination Is Illegal An Attorney Can Protect Your Rights

Race or national origin cannot be a determining factor in employment decisions. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate based on race or national origin in such aspects of employment as:

  • Hiring or firing
  • Pay rate
  • Job assignments
  • Promotions
  • Layoffs
  • Training
  • Benefits
  • Any other terms or conditions of employment

If you've experienced a hostile work environment or been discriminated against because of your racial identity or national origin (or your spouse's racial identity or national origin), you have the right to file a discrimination claim against your employer. By working with an employment lawyer like Dan A. Atkerson, you can hold your employer accountable and potentially receive significant financial compensation.

Why Call Our Law Firm? Employment Law Is Our Focus

Employment law is tricky, and racial discrimination can be difficult to prove. When your Title VII rights have been violated, working with a dedicated employment lawyer greatly increases your chances of legal success.

Dan A. Atkerson has been focused on employment law since he began practicing in 1984. He has helped numerous workers from Allen, Plano, Frisco, and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area recover significant compensation after instances of employment discrimination.

If you believe you have a discrimination case, contact us today for a consultation. You will be able to meet personally with Mr. Atkerson, and he can advise you of the best course of action.

Give Us a Call: (214) 383-3606

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"He connects to you as an individual." Why Dallas-Areas Clients Trust Our Law Firm

1

praveen reddy

2020

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Outstanding Attorney / Person Dan is very efficient, accessible in real time and works very hard to get the desired results which he did in my case. He is very empathetic and looks from client’s perspective at all times. I felt more than an attorney, he connects to you as an individual who is trying to get the justice for you. I strongly recommend Dan to anyone who is looking to get their legal needs met.

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AP AP65671

2019

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I can't say enough about my experience with Dan Atkerson for helping me with my discrimination case. I found him not only very responsive but also very knowledgeable about how to deal with my employer. Because of the depth of his experience, he was much more informed and far better equipped to navigate my case over other attorneys I had interviewed...and the settlement proved that. Thank you Dan for helping not only me but also my family!

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Dan A. Atkerson Explains Discrimination

Thanks to Title VII and other civil rights legislation, discriminating against an employee based on race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, or genetic information is illegal. When you are treated unfairly based on one of these protected classes, you should contact a discrimination attorney like Dan A. Atkerson.

Examples of Racial Discrimination at Work

National origin or racial discrimination is not always obvious, nor does it apply solely to one group. Individuals of any race, including multi-racial individuals, can be victims of racial discrimination. 

Racial discrimination can take many forms, but a few examples include:

  • Segregation of the workplace by race or national origin
  • Exclusion from workplace activities based on race or national origin
  • Passing over an employee for a promotion in favor of another employee on the basis of race or national origin rather than merit
  • Flagrant or casual use of racial epitaphs, ethnic slurs, or other derogatory comments
  • Having a job position or the positions of others in the same racial group eliminated during layoffs, while employees of a different race keep positions or were reassigned to other positions
  • Creating a hostile work environment for employees of a certain race or national origin

All employers are also responsible for ensuring that their policies are free from discriminatory language or practices.  Also, it is important to note that instances of race discrimination do not have to be intentional to be illegal.

Fighting Against Harassment and Discrimination

From Employers Big and Small


Mr. Atkerson and his legal team in Allen have represented employees from small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike. If you believe that your Texas employer has wrongly discriminated against you or subjected you to harassment, our Dallas-area law firm may be able to help.

Why File a Claim?

If you are dealing with harassment, a hostile work environment, or other forms of discrimination based on your race or national origin, you may be tempted to just quit and leave that situation behind you. However, there are several advantages to initiating legal action against your employer, including:

Compensation

In a race discrimination or harassment case, our lawyer can help you secure compensation to make up for any financial losses you suffered because of the discrimination (compensatory damages) and, in particularly egregious cases, additional compensation meant solely to punish the employer (punitive damages).

Holding Your Employer Accountable

Don't let your employer get away with racist or otherwise discriminatory actions. If a company or organization is not abiding by the Civil Rights Act, or if they are creating a hostile work environment for employees of a certain race, they need to be brought to justice.

Improving Society

Workplace discrimination and harassment cases really do have the potential to change our society for the better. By holding your employer accountable for racial discrimination, you and your coworkers may be able to help put an end to illegal employment actions based on race. 

Choose a Patient, Understanding Lawyer Who Won't Back Down

Dealing with workplace discrimination and harassment can be highly distressing.

You deserve a fair, healthy work environment — and your employer has a legal obligation to provide it in Texas. If they have failed in their responsibility and allowed a culture of harassment to thrive, then you have recourse.

You also have a practicing racial discrimination law firm who can help. Since 1984, Mr. Atkerson has fought for the rights of Texas employees like you. Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, so that you can pursue fair compensation without fear of cost. From answering your questions to giving you the compassionate support you need, our discrimination lawyers are here to assist.

Whether your case can be settled out of court or it leads to a longer legal battle, our compassionate team can give you the strong arm you need.

To begin, contact our Allen, TX, office located conveniently near Dallas, or call:

(214) 383-3606

Mr. Atkerson
Workplace racial harassment and discrimination can be a heavy load to bear. Our Dallas-area law firm can fight for your rights, seeking just compensation and a satisfying resolution.

"His Help Was a Remedy."

"Dan is a professional lawyer who knows his job. He spent considerable amount of time, and was very supportive for my wrongful termination and discrimination case. I was disappointed with my company's bullying and discrimination, his help was a remedy for me." Arian H. - 5-Star Google Review

Important Laws in a Race Discrimination Case

Title VII

Title VII is a section of the 1964 Civil Rights Act that established what we now refer to in employment law as "protected classes." The law makes it illegal for employers to take employment actions based on a person's "race, color, religion, sex, or national origin."

Title VII is also somewhat expansive in that it outlaws actions that may not be intentionally discriminatory, but have the effect of discriminating against certain protected classes. For example, an employer may require that employees have a high school diploma in an area where most minorities do not. This is a nuance that lawyers like Dan A. Atkerson can use to great effect in a Title VII case.

It is important to note that before a Title VII lawsuit can be filed, an employee must have first filed a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Section 1981

Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 is a much older law that attorneys still find valuable in discrimination cases. It states that all persons in the United States should have the same rights "that are enjoyed by white citizens" in regards to making and enforcing contracts.

Courts have since interpreted the law to apply broadly to all employment situations. Unlike Title VII, this law only addresses race discrimination and does not prevent discriminating against other protected classes. Also unlike Title VII, Section 1981 only prohibits intentional discrimination.

If possible, our attorney may choose to bring your case under Section 1981 instead of Title VII because it does not require prior filing with the EEOC and does not have any cap on recoverable damages.

TCHRA

Texas Labor Code Chapter 21 contains the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act (TCHRA), which is essentially the same as Title VII. Like Title VII, the state-level law prohibits employers from making an employment decision based on a person's race, color, or national origin.

The TCHRA was passed after the 1964 Civil Rights Act to "provide for the execution of the policies of Title VII." Generally, state courts have interpreted the TCHRA in the same way federal courts have interpreted Title VII, but some distinctions have emerged over time.

Without the assistance of a lawyer, it's difficult to figure out if your case should be brought under Title VII, Section 1981, or the TCHRA. Fortunately, attorney Dan A. Atkerson is available to help.

What to Expect When You Call Our Lawyer

If your employer is discriminating or committing harassment against you based on your race or national origin, you should contact attorney Dan Atkerson. When you call our law firm serving Allen, Plano, Frisco, and surrounding areas, you will speak directly with our lawyer. He will listen to your story and answer any questions you have about Title VII, litigation, or anything else.

Schedule a Consultation 

If you feel like your employer has discriminated against you, attorney Dan Atkerson can provide sound guidance and aggressive litigation when necessary. Please send us a message or call us at (214) 383-3606 to schedule your consultation at our Allen office.

"Very satisfied with his advocacy, work and advice." 5-Star Reviews From Our Dallas-Area Clients

1

TaQuanyia Stallworth

2019

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Dan was the only lawyer who seemed to have time for me and knew that I had a case. He was personable, helpful, and most importantly he knew how to win without setting foot in a court room. The process was fast and he communicated with me through the entire process. I would highly recommend his services if you need a lawyer.

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Bobby Parker

2017

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Dan is a straightforward, no nonsense, and considerate lawyer. He helped me work through a difficult situation and worked to get the best results possible. While he was open to pursuing my desires, he was also very helpful in guiding me to what was realistic. I am very satisfied with his advocacy, work and advice.

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Racial Discrimination FAQs

Can I afford a lawyer?

You can absolutely afford to hire Dan Atkerson. Employees who have experienced discrimination, harassment, or a hostile work environment are often hesitant to hire a lawyer because they don't think they can afford an attorney's fees. At the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson in Allen, TX, that's not something you have to worry about. Our Texas lawyer takes cases on a contingency basis, meaning that any fees are a percentage of an eventual verdict or settlement. You won't pay our lawyer anything unless and until you secure compensation.

What if my employer punishes me for speaking up?

Employers cannot commit workplace retaliation against an employee who reports racial discrimination or who participates in a workplace discrimination investigation. If you experience harassment or a hostile work environment after reporting instances of race or national origin discrimination, you can talk to our attorney about bringing a retaliation lawsuit against your employer.

When do I need to file a claim?

Title VII, Section 1981, and the TCHRA all involve different statutes of limitations for national origin or race discrimination cases. Under Title VII and the TCHRA, you should file a charge within 180 days of the unlawful event. However, federal courts have interpreted the date of the unlawful event differently than Texas state courts. Section 1981, on the other hand, has a statute of limitations of four years. Ultimately, to ensure that your charges are not dismissed on a technicality, it is best to call a lawyer as soon as an instance of national origin or race discrimination takes place.

Who does Dan A. Atkerson represent?

Mr. Atkerson represents clients from Allen, Plano, Frisco, and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. Regardless of your race, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religion, you have an advocate in Mr. Atkerson. If you are experiencing a hostile work environment, discrimination, or harassment, contact us today for a consultation.

Other Forms of Discrimination

Lawyer Dan A. Atkerson represents employees who have been subject to all forms of harassment, discrimination, or hostile work environments. He has helped clients with cases involving:

"Thank you doesn't say enough." Allen and Dallas-Area Clients Believe in Our Dedicated Attorneys

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patty powell

2021

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I have had the best experience with this attorney! Dan did not waste anytime with my situation - we had a winning outcome. I will definitely utilize his expertise if ever needed again. Thank you doesn't say enough.

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Barry Smith

2018

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Dan handled my case well. He kept in touch with me, gave me solid advice, and followed through without delay on all correspondence and negotiations. He knows the employment law business and has practical sense to resolve cases.

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Dan Atkerson

Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson

Dan A. Atkerson has been protecting the rights of North Texas employees for over nearly four decades. He is affiliated with several prestigious legal organizations, including: 

  • The State Bar of Texas
  • The Dallas Bar Association
  • The United States Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit
  • Texas Supreme Court and all Texas trial and appellate courts
  • Texas federal courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas

Through aggressive, knowledgeable representation, he has helped clients all over the state reach significant verdicts and settlements. To schedule a consultation at our law firm, request an appointment online or call us at (214) 383-3606.

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