Can You Sue for Workplace Discrimination Claim and Keep Your Position?
Even though it’s illegal, workers often experience retaliation by their supervisors for reporting discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Figuring out how to pursue justice in this situation while trying to hold onto your job can be complex and stressful. Often, employers will create a hostile work environment so toxic that employees give up their quest for accountability and quit.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! Working with a reputable employment discrimination attorney is key to successfully recovering damages you suffered from a manager’s illegal actions against you.
Determining if Your Complaint is Actionable
Ohio and federal laws all prohibit an employer from discriminating against you based on any of the below-protected classes:
- Race
- Sex
- National origin
- Age when older than 40
- Disability
- Ethnicity
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Genetic information
- Gender identity
- Pregnancy
- Military service
- Veteran status
One challenging aspect of determining if your experience qualifies as workplace discrimination is recognizing the many forms it can appear as. Perhaps you aren’t receiving fair pay or advanced job training because you’re in your early 50s. Or, maybe you are applying for a position, and during the interview, the hiring manager rejected your application after learning you had a disability.
As you can see, countless situations can fall under the umbrella of discriminatory actions in employment.
Evidence is Essential in Any Workplace Discrimination Case
Like any court case, evidence is crucial in proving your allegations of employment discrimination against your employer. This is why it is vital to work with a skilled attorney familiar with both Ohio and federal employee rights and protections. Not only will they ensure your case is managed correctly from the moment you consult with them, but all of your complaint documentation will be completed accurately the first time to avoid delays.
You want your complaint to be taken seriously, which is why you bring copies of your documents to your HR representative or supervisor after your attorney has reviewed them. You need more than just emails and text messages, too. If possible, you can approach your coworkers for support and gather witness statements if they witnessed the discrimination you’re alleging.
When this step doesn’t improve the situation with your employer, your attorney can then send your formal complaint to the necessary state and federal agencies. Typically, your first point of contact would be the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). However, it’s also possible additional agencies may need to get involved, such as the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.
If accepted, your suit would follow the process outlined by the agency governing the matter and then decide. This makes it essential that any Ohio employment discrimination attorney you consider retaining have the necessary experience and training to navigate this complex process.
Know Your Rights in Retaliatory Employment Situations
Workplace discrimination complaints frequently find the victims the target of retaliation by their employers, managers, and coworkers. However, despite their efforts to stop you from pursuing your lawsuit against them, you have legal protections against unfair terminations, verbal and physical abuse, demotions, and more.
Whether you blew the whistle on unfair labor practices or are fighting for fair pay after discovering you were being unfairly paid lower wages for the same work as your peers, your employer has no right to punish you for engaging in these protected activities. If unlawful employment practices and conduct are taken against you, your lawsuit can also be included.
Stop Workplace Discrimination in Your Workplace
If you are being discriminated against on the job, speak with Attorney James J. Hux of Hux Law Firm. His years of experience as a reputable Ohio employee rights attorney will prove invaluable in your fight to hold your boss accountable. With his insight into why discrimination happens and how to go about putting an end to it, you can feel assured that your rights and best interests are at the heart of his efforts. Contact his office today and schedule your free consultation.
