Skip to content
All posts

What are my options as a business owner in Texas if an employee files a lawsuit against me for discrimination or harassment?

As a business owner in Texas, you have several options if an employee files a lawsuit against you for discrimination or harassment. Here are some of the most common options:

  1. Respond to the lawsuit: If you receive a lawsuit, you should respond in a timely manner. You can either hire an attorney to draft a response for you or you can draft a response yourself. The response should include any affirmative defenses you have, such as the fact that you did not engage in discrimination or harassment or that the employee's claims are barred by the statute of limitations.
  2. File a motion to dismiss: If the lawsuit is not properly filed or if the plaintiff's claims are legally insufficient, you can file a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. You should consult with an attorney to determine whether this is a viable option in your case.
  3. Try to settle the case: You may be able to settle the case before it goes to trial. You can either negotiate with the plaintiff's attorney directly or you can hire a mediator to help facilitate a settlement agreement. A settlement agreement would typically involve you paying the plaintiff a set amount of money in exchange for the plaintiff releasing all claims against you.
  4. Go to trial: If the case is not settled, it will likely proceed to trial. You should consult with an attorney to determine the best trial strategy in your case.

If you are facing a lawsuit for discrimination or harassment, it is important to take the matter seriously and consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Depending on the specific facts of your case, there may be other options available to you as well.