Protecting Your Rights: Understanding Employment Discrimination

In today’s workplace, employees are protected against discrimination by state and federal laws. Unfortunately, despite these laws, discrimination still happens. Employment discrimination can take many forms and can occur at any stage of the employment process, from recruitment to termination. If you are experiencing workplace discrimination or a hostile work environment, it is essential to understand employment law and take steps to protect your rights.

What Is Employment Discrimination?

Employment discrimination is the unfair treatment of an employee based on their protected characteristics. It can take different forms, such as:

• Hiring Discrimination: When an employer does not hire someone based on their protected characteristic, such as their race or gender.

• Promotion Discrimination: When an employer refuses to promote someone based on their protected characteristic.

• Pay Discrimination: When an employer pays an employee less than others because of their protected characteristic.

• Harassment Discrimination: When an employee is subjected to a hostile work environment with unwanted or offensive conduct based on their protected characteristic.

• Termination Discrimination: When an employer fires someone based on their protected characteristic.

• Retaliation: When an employee is punished for complaining about discrimination or participating in an investigation.

What Are Your Employee Rights?

1. You have the right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (NJDCR) within a certain timeframe.

2. You have the right to file a lawsuit against your employer for damages.

3. You have the right to be free of retaliation for filing a complaint or participating in an investigation.

Laws Against Discrimination:

The laws that protect employees from discrimination vary from state to state. In New Jersey, the primary laws that protect employees from discrimination are the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) and the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. 

NJLAD and the federal Civil Rights Act prohibit employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy discrimination, sexual orientation, natural origin, genetic information, and ancestry, as well as from committing age discrimination or disability discrimination.

How to Prove Employment Discrimination:

Proving employment discrimination can be challenging, and it requires a strong case to win. If you believe that you’re experiencing employment discrimination, here are some steps that can help you build a strong case:

1. Keep a record of the discriminatory actions: Document any incidents of discrimination, including the date, time, and what was said or done.

2. Report the incident: Report any incidents of discrimination to your supervisor, the human resources department, a supervisor, or any relevant authority in your organization.

3. Seek legal advice: If you believe you have been discriminated against, it is crucial to speak with an experienced employment discrimination attorney. An attorney can evaluate your situation and help you take appropriate action.

Why Do You Need An Attorney?

An employment discrimination attorney can help protect your rights and fight for compensation if you have been discriminated against. An attorney can file a complaint with the EEOC or NJDCR on your behalf, represent you in negotiations with your employer, and file a lawsuit if necessary to obtain damages for the harm you have suffered.

Contact Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza PC Today For a Free Consultation About Your Employment Discrimination Lawsuit

At Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza PC, we understand how devastating discrimination can be, and we are here to help you fight for your rights. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in state and federal laws that protect employees against discrimination and sexual harassment. We know discrimination can take many forms, and we have the knowledge and resources to investigate your claim. When you choose us to represent you, you can rest assured that you will receive the personalized attention and support you need during this challenging time. We will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed every step of the way. 

Our attorneys have a proven track record of success in handling employment discrimination cases. We have helped clients recover damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and other harms resulting from discrimination. We are not afraid to take on large corporations, and we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights. If you have been the victim of employment discrimination, don’t wait to take action. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney. Let us help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.