Table of Contents
Workplace discrimination is an unfortunate reality of the working world. Fortunately, there are lawyers for workplace discrimination that you can hire if your workplace grows sour.
What are employment lawyers and what exactly do they do?
If you or someone you know have experienced workplace discrimination, then you need to hire an employment lawyer. Here is more information on who they are, what they do, and how you can find a lawyer for yourself.
What is Workplace Discrimination?
Discrimination involves the direct mistreatment of an individual or group of individuals. Discrimination often arises due to something that the individual cannot control, including, but not limited to:
- Race
- Gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Religious views
- Age
- National origin
- Disability
Discrimination against these groups is prohibited by law. Unfortunately, it can still occur in the workplace.
Examples of Workplace Discrimination
There are five main ways that discrimination in the workplace happens: unfair treatment, harassment, denial of reasonable changes in the workplace, inappropriate questions, and retaliation. Unfair treatment may include being stuck with the work no one else wants. You may also be given fewer hours than other coworkers or be saddled with extraordinary amounts of work.
Harassment involves verbal, physical, or sexual abuse of an individual. Slurs and other rude comments are some examples of harassment in the workplace.
Inappropriate questions relating to your status are another form of discrimination. For example, someone asking for specific information about your disability would be considered an inappropriate question.
Retaliation may occur when you try to speak out against discrimination. This may involve threats of termination or cuts in pay. Retaliation by an employer is illegal and should be dealt with right away.
Discrimination can happen between an employee and their employer or between employees. Regardless of who is discriminating against you, you don’t have to put up with the mistreatment.
What are Lawyers for Workplace Discrimination?
If you are experiencing workplace discrimination, an employment lawyer can help. They provide services for employees in a variety of illegal workplace situations. Some things that an employment lawyer can help with include, but are not limited to:
- Workplace discrimination and harassment
- Wrongful termination
- Unlawful wage cuts
- Workplace retaliation
- Workplaces that pay less than minimum wage
- Workplaces that don’t accommodate their employees reasonably
The first job of an employment attorney is to help keep you informed on your rights as an employee. They walk you through what is and is not ok in the workplace. They will also represent you in court if you choose to file a claim against your company.
When to Hire Employment Lawyers
If you are one of the previously mentioned protected classes, you should consider hiring an employment lawyer who will help when filing legal claims. No matter what form of workplace discrimination you are experiencing, your attorney will help earn you the compensation you deserve for your mistreatment.
The moment any of your rights as an employee are violated, you should start thinking about hiring a lawyer. You deserve to be treated fairly at work no matter who you are. Contact a lawyer if you have ever experienced:
- Verbal, physical, or sexual harassment or assault at work
- Wrongful termination
- Workplace retaliation, such as threats of demotions or pay cuts if you report unlawful behavior
- Refusal from your employers to hand out salary or benefits
- Any forms of discrimination discussed above
You have a right to a safe and healthy work environment. If you ever experience mistreatment at work, it’s time to start looking for an employment lawyer. There are labor laws put in place to protect you from discrimination, so use those laws to your advantage.
Tips for Hiring an Employment Attorney
Your first step when hiring an employment attorney should be to ask friends, family, and coworkers for their recommendations. You never know who may have needed an employment lawyer in the past; rather than relying on the advice of strangers, go to those you know first.
Next, search for the online reviews of the attorney in question. Any reputable law firm will have reviews available on its website. Take a look at both the positive and negative reviews to get a better idea of how the attorney communicates with their clients.
Look into the lawyer’s experience and determine whether or not they have handled cases that are similar to yours. The more cases an attorney has had with similarities to yours, the more likely you are to win your case. For example, if you are experiencing harassment due to a disability, search for a lawyer who has experience working with disabled clients.
Make sure that any attorney you are considering has proper licensing and certifications before hiring them. It is illegal to run a law firm without credentials; you’ll want to verify any lawyers before spending time and money on them.
Ask about billing and fees before sitting down with your attorney. You’ll want a detailed list of any charges the attorney will have, as well as information on when and how you are expected to pay.
Finally, schedule an in-person consultation with the attorney. This will give you a better idea of how well you and the attorney mesh. If you don’t feel that they are a good fit for you, continue your search elsewhere.
Still not sure where to find a great lawyer? The folks at lambertonlaw.com have a wide selection of attorneys who can help with all of your workplace needs.
Get Help for Workplace Discrimination
Lawyers for workplace discrimination can be a great help to those struggling in the workplace. Remember, you don’t have to tolerate unjust behavior just because you’re at work; if you’re ever in a situation that you believe qualifies as workplace discrimination, reach out to an attorney right away for help.
Do you know someone who is struggling with workplace discrimination?
Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family and continue reading our blog for more information today!
