Workplace discrimination is some of the worst challenges that an employee is forced to face. Research in Social Psychology has suggested that such discrimination has significant negative impacts on professional growth, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Additionally, discrimination can occur in various forms, including pregnancy, disability, age, gender, racial, religious, and retaliation.
Expert employment lawyers in Connecticut – Carey & Associates, P.C. – believe that any kind of discrimination must be given a strong legal challenge. After all, this is not just bad for the professional facing discrimination, but also society as a whole. Here are the various common types of discrimination that employees face, and what lawyers recommend as next steps.
Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Despite legal protections under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), many women still face bias at work. Employment law experts help pregnant employees by ensuring their rights are upheld, advising them on leave entitlements, and addressing any discriminatory practices, such as denial of promotions or wrongful termination.
Disability Discrimination
Disability discrimination involves treating an employee unfavorably because of a disability. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers must provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. Employment law experts assist disabled employees by advocating for necessary accommodations, ensuring compliance with ADA regulations, and addressing any discriminatory actions by employers.
Age Discrimination
Age discrimination targets employees who are 40 years or older, often resulting in unfair treatment regarding hiring, promotions, or job assignments. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects employees from such bias. Employment law experts help older employees by reviewing employment practices for age bias, advising on potential legal claims, and representing them in negotiations or litigation.
Gender Discrimination
Gender discrimination involves treating employees unfavorably based on their gender, affecting job assignments, pay, promotions, or other aspects of employment. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits such discrimination. Employment law experts support affected employees by analyzing workplace policies for gender bias, advising on potential claims, and representing them in legal proceedings. Lawyers can also help file complaints with the EEOC or state agencies, advocating for equal treatment and opportunities.
Racial Discrimination
Racial discrimination occurs when employees are treated unfavorably because of their race or ethnicity. This can manifest in various ways, including biased hiring practices, unequal pay, or a hostile work environment. Employment law experts assist affected employees by reviewing workplace practices for racial bias, advising on legal claims, and representing them in negotiations or litigation.
Religious Discrimination
Religious discrimination involves treating employees unfavorably because of their religious beliefs or practices. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for religious practices unless it causes undue hardship. Employment law experts help employees by advocating for necessary accommodations, ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws, and addressing any discriminatory actions by employers. Lawyers can also represent employees in disputes regarding denial of accommodations or wrongful termination based on religion.
Retaliation Discrimination
Retaliation discrimination occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for engaging in legally protected activities, such as filing a discrimination complaint or participating in an investigation. Employment law experts support employees by advising them on their rights, documenting retaliatory actions, and representing them in legal proceedings.
When working with an expert lawyer, the path is made extremely clear. After having filed a complaint with the appropriate agencies, your lawyer can begin investigating the incident to collect evidence. Based on this, they can confidently sue the employer for damages and get you the justice you deserve!
