Those who have suffered discrimination on the job in Indiana may be eligible to file a claim against their employer. Employment discrimination can be based on sex, gender identity, race, creed, religion, age – if older than 40, and several other factors. There are federal laws in place to protect workers from such treatment, and many states have their own state laws that offer added protection as well. This will detail what to do if you suffered workplace discrimination in Indiana and how you should proceed with a claim for employment discrimination in Indiana.
What Kind of Discrimination Laws are in Place in Indiana?
Indiana Civil Rights Laws offer added protection on top of the federal laws regarding workplace harassment and discrimination. While federal laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, citizenship status, and genetic information, the state laws offer added protection and prohibit discrimination based on ancestry, veteran status or military status, off-duty tobacco usage, and any sealed or expunged conviction or arrest record.
Who is Protected By Federal and State Laws in Indiana?
In Indiana, all employers must adhere to age discrimination laws, so all workers who are 40 or older are protected. Workers who work for an employer with 15 or more employees are protected by the disability discrimination laws, and all employees are entitled to equal pay for both men and women. You should review the laws in your state and your employee handbook, so you can determine your protections and how to proceed.
What Employers are Covered by Discrimination Laws in Indiana?
Indiana state discrimination laws apply to different employers. Age discrimination laws apply to all employers regardless to the number of employees and the equal pay for both men and women apply to all employers. Disability discrimination laws apply to employers with 15 or more employees.
Which State Agencies Regulate Workplace Harassment Laws in Indiana?
In Indiana, the Civil Rights Commission handles all state claims regarding Indiana workplace discrimination. The Civil Rights Commission can be reached by calling (317) 232-2600 or by calling (800) 628-2909. You can also visit the Commission’s website at https://www.in.gov/icrc/ to get a claim underway.
For federal claims that fall under federal laws, you can file your claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). You can visit www.eeoc.gov to find the nearest field office or to start an online claim. You can also call (800) 669-4000 to speak with a representative and to start the claims process.
How Do I File A Discrimination Claim in Indiana?
In Indiana, you will contact the EEOC and provide copies of evidence and documentation to get an employment discrimination claim underway. You will need to show them what happened, how it happened, when it happened, and how your employer did address or failed to address the issue at hand.
You can get your claim underway through the Civil Rights Commission in Indiana. As previously mentioned, documentation and evidence are essential to the outcome of your claim, so be sure to provide hard evidence to support your claim. There is a statute of limitations for pursuing a claim. The federal laws allow 180 days from the date of the incident for a claim to be filed, but your time limit is extended to 300 days because Indiana has additional state laws that apply to your situation.
If you do not file your claim before the deadline, it will be dismissed, and you cannot be compensated for your losses. Review your company handbook to see the company policy for filing a claim. The process usually starts by an employee notifying his or her employer and allowing them to try to resolve the matter. If you are not satisfied with the response, then advance your claim to the next level such as the EEOC or Civil Rights Commission. A lawsuit would be the final step in the process.
How Do I Get Help Filing A Discrimination Claim in Indiana?
If you are a victim of Indiana employment discrimination, you should get the help of an employment law attorney who is familiar with the state and federal laws that apply to employment discrimination in Indiana. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share the details with an employment law attorney who represents workers who are victims of employment discrimination in Indiana. Someone will get back with you and help you determine the best way to proceed with your claim against your employer in Indiana.
