Columbus Age Discrimination Lawyers
Last updated on February 9, 2026
If you believe you have been the victim of age discrimination at your place of employment or if you were denied employment because of your age, you may be able to file an age discrimination claim. For anyone living and working in Columbus, age discrimination is prohibited under both federal and Ohio state laws.
At Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, we are committed to assisting employees in and around Columbus who have been subject to age-related discrimination on the job in their job applications. If you have questions about filing a claim, an experienced Ohio age discrimination attorney can help you.
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Understanding Federal Laws and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
Employees or job applicants in Columbus who are victims of age discrimination may have a claim under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). The ADEA prohibits discrimination in any condition of employment against employees or job applicants who are aged 40 and older. Some common types of age discrimination that the ADEA recognizes include the following:
- Hiring
- Firing
- Pay
- Job assignments
- Promotions
- Layoffs
- Training
- Benefits
- Any other term or condition of employment
Additionally, the ADEA makes it unlawful for a person to be harassed because of their age. Harassment can include many different kinds of behaviors. For example, harassment can include offensive remarks about a person’s age. It can also include other comments or behavior that creates a hostile or offensive work environment.
Understanding Age Discrimination Under Ohio Law
State laws are also in place to protect employees from unlawful age discrimination. Under the Ohio Revised Code 4112.02(A), discrimination against an employee or job applicant on the basis of age is prohibited. Similar to federal law, Ohio state law prohibits retaliation against an employee that results in demotion or termination and allows the employee to make an age discrimination claim through the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC).
Should You File an Age Discrimination Claim Under Federal or State Laws?
Every case is different with unique sets of facts and circumstances. State and federal laws have different filing deadlines. The ADEA requires that a claim be made within 300 days. The Ohio Revised Code requires that claims under state law be filed with the OCRC within six months from the date of the age discrimination.
If you file a federal age discrimination claim under the ADEA, you must follow the steps required by the EEOC. Alternatively, if you file under Ohio state law, you must follow the requirements of the OCRC. An employment law attorney who has extensive experience with different discrimination claims can help you decide where to file your age discrimination claim.
What Evidence Can Help Your Age Discrimination Case in Ohio?
Collecting the right evidence is essential for building a strong age discrimination case. You need to prove that your termination was wrongful. In other words, you have to prove that there was not a legitimate business reason for the negative action. Evidence that can support your claim includes:
- Discriminatory comments or statements: You should note down when a supervisor or manager made comments linking your age to your job performance or potential, such as saying you are “too old” or “stuck in your ways.”
- Performance reviews or documentation that suddenly changed: If you previously received excellent reviews, but the negative documentation started just before you were terminated or demoted, it suggests a pretext.
- The age and qualifications of your replacement: If your employer replaced you with a significantly younger and less qualified person, it can indicate age-based bias.
- Statistical evidence of a pattern of firing older workers: If your company had a Reduction in Force (RIF) that disproportionately impacted older, higher-paid employees, we can use that data as evidence.
Discrimination is rarely obvious, so we look for patterns and clear indicators that point to age being the real reason you were not hired, demoted or terminated. Gathering this proof early helps us advocate effectively on your behalf. At Marshall Forman & Schlein LLC, our experienced employment law attorneys can help you better understand what to do if you suspect age discrimination at your workplace.
How Can a Columbus Age Discrimination Attorney Help Your Claim?
Age discrimination claims are complex. Employers will use all their resources to fight a discrimination claim. Hiring an employment law attorney is the best way to level the playing field. Here are just some of the ways we can help you with your claim:
- Investigation: We will investigate your situation and help you gather the necessary evidence. We know what documentation and witnesses are crucial for proving discrimination claims. Our experienced lawyers will advise you on how to carefully collect what you need.
- Filings: We can handle the required administrative filings. Before filing a lawsuit, we must first file a charge with the EEOC or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and we make sure this is done correctly and on time.
- Negotiations: We will handle all negotiations with your former employer. We will seek the maximum compensation for your losses, including lost wages and emotional distress.
- Litigation: We are prepared to take your case to court if necessary. We have a proven track record of success in litigation and will fight for you in front of a judge and jury.
Our job is to listen to your story and take on the burden of your legal fight. Our attorneys practice employment law because they want to help people and make a difference when you are going through a tough point in your life. We can handle the complicated legal process while you focus on moving forward.
Contact a Columbus Age Discrimination Lawyer
If you believe you have been discriminated against at your place of employment, or if you were denied employment because of your age, you may be able to file an age discrimination claim.
To schedule a confidential case evaluation with an experienced Columbus age discrimination attorney, you can call us at 614-762-9727. You can also reach out to us by sending us a message through our website.