Being discriminated against on the job can be extremely upsetting for the victims of this type of behavior. Going to work can turn into a nightmare if you are afraid of being mistreated, under-appreciated, ignored or belittled by others at work because of something that has nothing to do with your job or performance.
In these situations, it can be easy to feel hopeless or powerless but it is crucial to remember that you have rights and you can regain control by taking legal action. Filing a lawsuit can be complicated, but with the help and guidance of an attorney, it may be possible to pursue damages through a discrimination claim.
In order for there to be grounds for a legal claim, you need to prove that an employer violated discrimination laws enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. To do this, it must be established that you were targeted for discrimination based on a specific characteristic.
These characteristics include your:
- Age
- Gender
- Sexual orientation
- Religion
- Disability
- Pregnancy
- Race
- Genetic information
- Country of origin
There are several examples of these types of discrimination. For instance, if you are paid less than other workers because you are from a certain country, that could be discrimination. Being passed over for promotions because you are a woman or pregnant could be discrimination. Not being hired or being fired because you are in a same-sex relationship could be discrimination.
Proving that a certain employment decision was made based on these or other similar characteristics can be extraordinarily difficult if you are not well versed in employment laws and procedures. However, discussing your situation with an attorney can help you figure out whether you have grounds to pursue a discrimination claim and damages, and help you figure out what steps need to be taken to build and support your case.