5 Things Employees Get Wrong About Workplace Discrimination

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in the workplace against several classes of workers. Three years after the passage of Title VII, the United States Congress enacted the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) to protect older workers against age discrimination in the workplace. One of the most common ways employers discriminate in the workplace is by wrongfully firing workers.

If you face discrimination in the workplace, you should meet with an employment attorney to discuss your legal options. Before you schedule a free case evaluation, review the following five things employees get wrong about workplace discrimination.

1. Title VII Protects Only Women and Minorities

One of the most common misconceptions about workplace discrimination concerns the scope of Title VII. Many workers think Title VII applies just to women and minorities. However, the landmark civil rights law also covers religion, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disabilities, marital status, and national origin. You are also protected from retaliation. If your employer fired you for reasons of discrimination, you have the right to file a wrongful termination lawsuit.

2. It is Only My Word Against My Employer’s Word

The employment lawyer you hire to handle your case can collect evidence to prove you are a victim of workplace discrimination. Evidence comes in the form of your employee records, such as the results of performance reviews and any awards you won during your employment period. Your attorney may also speak with co-workers to support your claim of discrimination in the workplace. This means your case might not come down to your word against the word of your employer.

3. I Cannot File a Lawsuit If I Quit

Facing discrimination in the workplace is demeaning, which leads to strong negative emotions such as shame, embarrassment, and humiliation. The result of such strong emotions might be to quit your job to avoid feeling pain and suffering. Just because you quit your job does not mean you no longer have the right to file a civil lawsuit seeking monetary damages. Working with an employment attorney can help you build a strong enough case to file a lawsuit for discrimination and wrongful termination.

4. If I Wasn’t Hired, I Do Not Have a Discrimination Claim

If you experienced discrimination during your interview process, you can still have an eligible workplace discrimination claim. Though these claims, can be difficult to win, it is still possible. You will need proof that discrimination took place throughout the hiring process. You’ll to copies of your application, offer letter, rejection letter, resume, notes from the hiring process etc.

Get the Legal Help You Deserve

Do not fight discrimination in the workplace on your own. Working with an employment lawyer may boost your chances of receiving just compensation. Fill out the Free Case Description on this page to get connected with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website.