Employment Discrimination

Discrimination in the Workplace is Against the Law

Federal and state laws protect employees and those seeking employment from workplace discrimination. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) make it unlawful for an employer to refuse to hire or interview an applicant or take adverse action against an employee, such as disciplining, demoting, suspending, changing compensation, or terminating an employee on the basis of race, nationality, religion, sex, gender identification, age, pregnancy, or disability. When an employer violates these laws, they can be held liable through fines and penalties.

The Atlantic County employment discrimination lawyers at Levine, Staller, Sklar, Chan & Brown, P.A. have extensive experience successfully representing victims of employment discrimination. Attorneys at the firm represent victims of all types of discrimination, including:

Recognizing Employment Discrimination 

Anytime an employee is treated differently from a similarly situated co-worker because of their sex, race, religion, national origin, age, gender identification, orientation or disability, there is a possibility that employment discrimination has taken place. Federal and state laws prohibit employers from demoting, terminating, harassing, or treating an employee unfairly based on any of these protected classes.

Examples of discrimination can include policies that are unfair to older workers, giving promotional preference to a male employee where a female candidate is more qualified, or unequal pay. Racial slurs made to an employee or comments that degrade someone because of their race or religion can also be a form of employment discrimination. Demoting an employee because of a disability or for taking medical leave; or dismissing an employee who is pregnant because they will require time off from work is another form of illegal discrimination. The key inquiry is whether you have been treated differently or less favorably than other similarly situated employees based on certain protected characteristics.

Employers are required to create a workplace that is safe and free from discriminatory behaviors and actions. They must properly train their supervisors and managers on how to avoid actions that violate anti-discrimination laws. They must also ensure that they have policies that protect employees and provide them with an opportunity to report discriminatory behaviors without fear of retribution or retaliation.

If you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination, you may be entitled to damages. As a result of a lawsuit, you may be awarded monetary damages, which can include back pay such as wages and benefits, out of pocket expenses such as the costs associated with counseling or job seeking, and front pay, which includes compensation for wages the employee would have made had they not been subjected to the employment discrimination. Damages can also be awarded for emotional distress, and/or pain and suffering endured as a result of the discriminatory actions. Punitive damages may be awarded in addition to those mentioned above. Punitive damages are designed to punish the employer, supervisors, and managers for illegal actions and deter others from similar behavior.

Reporting Employment Discrimination & Hiring Counsel

If an employee is unsure whether they have experienced employment discrimination, it is wise to contact an experienced employment lawyer.

Most companies have policies for reporting discriminatory actions, which the employee should always pursue first. When an employee has followed company policy, yet the discriminatory behavior continues, it is time to contact us for a free consultation.

Atlantic County Employment Lawyers at Levine Staller Help Victims of Employment Discrimination Seek Justice and Compensation

If you believe you are a victim of employment discrimination, call the experienced Atlantic County employment lawyers at Levine, Staller, Sklar, Chan & Brown, P.A. at 609-348-1300, or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Our offices are located in Atlantic City, New Jersey and serve clients in Atlantic City, Atlantic County, Ocean County, and Cape May County.

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