Discrimination

Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

If you are treated unfairly at work because of your race, age, ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ status, sexual orientation or transgender status you may be able to sue your employer and make it stop. Federal laws protect employees from illegal employment discrimination.

Get legal advice if these things are happening in your workplace:

Employees with the same or better skills do not advance because of their color or ethnicity.
A layoff occurs and the older, more experienced employees are sent home while the younger, less-qualified employees stay.
Use of negative stereotypes or derogatory names or “jokes” are brushed off as “that’s just how he is. Lighten up.”
Big accounts are assigned to employees who are the same race as the person making the assignments while small or complicated accounts are assigned to minority employees.
Training and advancement opportunities go to young employees.
Discipline is harsher for those whose skin is darker.
Top wages and bonuses go the white employees every year, no matter performance.
Your employer punishes people for complaining about discrimination in ways that it tries to cover up.
Remember, the law now prohibits your employer from discriminating against you because of your LGBTQ status, transgender status, or sexual orientation.

What should you do if your workplace is discriminatory?

Call a lawyer sooner rather than later. Discrimination claims have short statutes of limitations--most are measured in months.
Keep copies of your performance reviews and any discipline or other actions your employer takes.
Document relevant conversations at work when you complain or when someone comments about your age, race, LGBT status or ethnicity. (When did it happen, who was there, what was said.).
Be prepared to name someone who was in the same situation but treated more favorably.
Your friends and family are there to support you, but you need to get advice from an expert before you can make a good decision.
Don’t quit your job. Your lawyer can advise you when it is appropriate to throw in the towel, but if you quit too early, you can eliminate your chances of a meaningful recovery.

Will I be able to prove workplace discrimination?

Workplace discrimination is hard to prove. People seldom say “well, I am getting rid of the old guy” or “I am not promoting you because you are Black.”
Often, its actions that speak louder than words when detecting discriminatory intent. A qualified workplace discrimination lawyer can tell you whether it's possible you can marshal that kind of proof and successfully sue your employer.

You need experienced lawyers who are not afraid to take on those in power, like employers, big law firms and insurance carriers. We will explain your rights and if we conclude you have a claim, we will fight for you.

Will I get fired if I complain?

It's against the law to retaliate against employees for complaining about workplace discrimination. If your employer makes that mistake, we will help you hold them accountable.