Your workplace should be free of any discriminatory action. For many people, unfortunately, discrimination seems to infiltrate career moves and decisions as they go about completing their job requirements.
Just as important as it is for employers and other employees to refrain from any judgmental behavior, it’s important for you to recognize when discriminatory deeds present themselves in your workplace. Identifying when discrimination happens, discussing your rights with an attorney and taking legal action may give you the opportunity to receive compensation.
Discrimination in the United States
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines discrimination as negative treatment or a lack of opportunities presented to an employee solely based on his or her:
- Age
- Disability
- National origin
- Pregnancy
- Race/color
- Religion
- Sex or sexual orientation
- Marital status
If anyone treats you differently at work due to any of your demographics, you may have grounds to file a discrimination case.
Spotting discrimination in your workplace
Discrimination cases require significant evidence for attorneys to pursue. Though you may feel that you deserve compensation, you must identify and keep all records of potential discriminatory action your employer or colleagues take.
Some examples of discrimination in the workplace include:
- Denying you a promotion because you are pregnant
- Paying certain equal-level employees different compensation
- Being fired for what seems like your age
- Excluding certain races or ethnicities from interviews or recruitment
- Receiving different disability leave or medical benefits due to gender or race
- Not hiring you based on your sexual orientation
What filing a lawsuit can do
If you feel as though you have not received equal treatment in your workplace because of your specific identifiers, you may, with the help of an attorney, seek restitution. The EEOC works to put you in the same position that you would have been if the discrimination never occurred.
If the court finds your employer guilty, you may receive lost wages. In addition, a court may award you relief such as:
- A promotion
- Back pay and benefits
- Payment of attorneys’ fees
- Reimbursement for expert witness fees
- Deletion of court costs
- Emotional harm compensation
Ensure that your case is sound by obtaining all evidence for a lawsuit against your employer. Should your case prove sound both with your attorney and in court, you may receive substantial reimbursement, giving you the opportunity to move forward with your career.