Columbus Discrimination Attorney

Facing issues related to employment discrimination can be both emotionally and professionally challenging. Whether it’s being wrongfully denied a promotion, experiencing harassment or dealing with unlawful termination, these experiences can leave you feeling powerless. At Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, we understand the gravity of these situations and are committed to providing the legal support you need to protect your rights. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to offer clarity.

What is Employment Discrimination?

Employment discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably based on certain protected characteristics. These characteristics include race, religion, gender and more. Both federal and state laws prohibit such discriminatory practices in all aspects of employment, including hiring, training, promotions and other opportunities.

How Does Employment Discrimination Happen?

Discrimination can manifest in various forms and impact anyone in the workplace. It can occur directly, through explicit actions, or indirectly, through policies or practices that disproportionately affect certain groups. Common examples of discriminatory behaviors include:

• Harassment: Making inappropriate jokes, insults or displaying offensive materials.
• Unfair Treatment: Offering lower wages, denying promotions or assigning unfavorable job tasks based on protected traits.
• Adverse Employment Decisions: Wrongful termination, demotion or refusal to hire based on characteristics like race, gender or age.

Who Can Be Affected?

Employment discrimination affects individuals across all walks of life. While certain groups are legally protected, any employee or job applicant can potentially face unfair treatment. This includes:

• Minorities: Individuals discriminated against based on race, color or national origin.
• Women: Encountering gender-based discrimination or sexual harassment.
• Older Workers: Those aged 40 and above facing age discrimination.
• Disabled Individuals: Experiencing bias due to physical or mental disabilities.
• Pregnant Employees: Facing discrimination related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

Identifying Evidence and Proving Discrimination Claims

Proving employment discrimination requires gathering substantial evidence. Employees must demonstrate that the unfavorable treatment they received was due to their protected characteristics. Important evidence may include:

• Documentation: Emails, messages, performance reviews and other records showing discriminatory behavior.
• Witness Statements: Testimonies from colleagues who observed the discriminatory acts.
• Comparative Evidence: Information that shows similarly situated employees outside the protected group were treated more favorably.

Legal Protections Against Employment Discrimination

Several laws provide robust protections against employment discrimination. Prominent among these are:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex and religion for employers with 15 or more employees.
• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Protects workers aged 40 and older from age-based discrimination.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Defends rights for individuals with disabilities, requiring reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

Stand Up Alongside a Columbus Discrimination Attorney

Fighting against employment discrimination is crucial not only for personal justice but also for fostering a fair and inclusive work environment. If you or someone you know has been subjected to workplace discrimination, do not hesitate to seek legal counsel. At Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, we offer compassionate and dedicated legal representation to help you stand up for your rights.

Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards achieving justice and holding those accountable for discriminatory practices. Call our Columbus discrimination attorney today.