Harassment & Discrimination
Don’t keep your head in the sand when a problem arises.
Employers' Duty to Investigate
If you receive a workplace discrimination or harassment claim connected to a lawfully protected category, you are legally required to investigate that claim.
Investigation Scoping
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We evaluate your company for situations warranting a Title VII or other workplace investigation.
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Excessive exhibits billed hourly.
FAQs
Employers who fail to do may suffer:
- Fines for violations of state and federal employment laws
- A lawsuit or settlement, which can result in significant financial penalties
- Decrease in employee morale and retention
- Rehiring and training costs if employees quit
- Increased insurance premiums
- Reputational damage
- Loss of business
Failure to do so may result in the consequences described above.
Allegations based on any of the following attributes require an immediate formal investigation by a neutral, unbiased, and experienced investigator:
- sex
- race
- disability
- religion
- family status
- age
- compensation
- genetics
- national origin
- military status
- sexual orientation
- health conditions
- any of the covert indicators of the items above
The standard is that you “should have known” to investigate immediately. Even if the claim does not involve a protected class, investigating is typically in your best interests. Not only can it help you to avoid potential lawsuits from disgruntled employees, smart employers embrace the return on investment that comes from investigating employees’ concerns and maintaining a happy, productive workforce.
Investigations must be undertaken in a manner that is neutral, unbiased, and independent. It can be dangerous for an inexperienced employer to act on harassment or discrimination complaints without consulting an expert. They could unintentionally impede a future investigation or react in a way that is regarded as retaliation.
In Texas, investigations must be conducted by an attorney or licensed private investigator. This means that unless an external HR company employs licensed private investigators or works under the supervision of an attorney, they cannot legally conduct investigations. In fact, a 2024 court case awarded $2 million to a defendant for exactly this reason.
Why Choose Treaty Oak Law Group
Prompt Response
We understand the urgency necessary to deal with harassment and discrimination claims. Our team will initiate an investigation immediately.
Strong Track Record
With hundreds of these types of investigations under our belt, we have the experience to navigate complex situations with precision and efficiency.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Combining the expertise of AWI-accredited investigators, business psychologists, HR professionals, and legal counsel, we offer a level of depth and insight unmatched in the industry.
Experienced Team
Our investigators are highly skilled at discerning nuances based on the industry, interpersonal dynamics, and characters of the involved employees.
Our Investigation Process Includes
We maintain strict objectivity throughout harassment and discrimination investigations, ensuring fairness to all parties involved.
We conduct in-depth interviews, review documents, and collect evidence to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
We provide regular updates to the employer and offer clear explanations of the investigation process and findings.
Based on our findings, we develop practical and effective recommendations to address the issues — and prevent future occurrences.
We maintain strict objectivity throughout harassment and discrimination investigations, ensuring fairness to all parties involved.
We conduct in-depth interviews, review documents, and collect evidence to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
We provide regular updates to the employer and offer clear explanations of the investigation process and findings.
Based on our findings, we develop practical and effective recommendations to address the issues — and prevent future occurrences.
Safeguard your reputation and bottom line.
Delays and mistakes are costly. Let our credentialed and experienced experts help you conduct a proper workplace investigation.
Her techniques were respectful to our staff but aggressive with regards to the allegations.
Shelby Bobosky
Performed their services efficiently and with professionalism and fairness. Super happy.
Mark Erwin
