Workplace Discrimination Lawyers
Holding Employers Accountable for Unjust Practices
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of several protected classes in various areas, including employment. When an employer engages in discriminatory practices, victims have the right to take legal action.
At Potts Law Firm, we fight to hold employers and other parties accountable for their unjust and unethical actions. Our workplace discrimination attorneys are passionate about protecting victims’ rights and helping them seek the fair compensation they are owed. If you believe that you have been discriminated against by an employer or potential employer, reach out to our firm right away to learn how we can help.
We have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients. Call (888) 420-1299 or contact us online to request a complimentary consultation today. Hablamos español.
What Is Employment Discrimination?
Employment discrimination, also known as workplace discrimination, occurs any time an employer or related party discriminates against an employee or potential employee based on a protected class.
This includes discriminatory practices in the following areas:
- Hiring
- Recruiting
- Job advertisements
- Promoting
- Training
- Firing/termination
- Job referrals
- Transferring
- Compensation
- Benefits
- Disciplining
- Reasonable accommodations
- Employment terms and conditions
Workplace harassment, including instances of hostile work environments, often falls under discrimination laws, as do issues regarding ADA compliance.
Workplace discrimination is overseen by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which reviews complaints and enforces various laws related to workplace discrimination and harassment.
Protected Classes
State and federal laws prohibit workplace discrimination based on several “protected classes.”
On the national level, these protected classes include:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- National origin
- Age (40 and older)
- Disability
- Genetic information
- Citizenship
- Sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity
Most states have adopted employment discrimination laws that make it illegal for employers, hiring managers, and related parties to discriminate against an employee or applicant based on additional protected classes.
Depending on the state, these protected classes may also include:
- Medical condition
- Political affiliation or activities
- Military status
- Veteran status
- Status as a victim of domestic violence or stalking
- Martial status
- Gender expression
- AIDS/HIV status
- Creed
- Prior arrest or conviction records
It is important that you know and understand the laws in your state, as they have a significant impact on your rights and your ability to file an employment discrimination claim. If you believe that you may have a workplace discrimination case, we urge you to contact our attorneys at Potts Law Firm right away.
Which Employers Are Subject to Employment Discrimination Laws?
State and federal workplace discrimination laws apply to different employers based on several factors, including the number of employees the employer has and the state(s) in which they conduct business.
Generally speaking, employers are subject to the following discrimination-related employment laws based on the following numbers of employees:
- At Least One Employee: Employers with at least one employee must follow laws mandating equal pay for equal work performed by male, female, and nonbinary employees.
- 15 to 19 Employees: Employers with 15 to 19 employees are subject to laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and genetic information.
- 20 or More Employees: In addition to the protected classes for employers with 15 to 19 employees, employers with at least 20 employees must also follow laws prohibiting discrimination based on age when an employee is 40 or older.
Note that these are just the federal laws employers must follow based on the number of employees they have; state laws may also apply and could affect the discrimination laws to which an employer is subject.
Damages in Workplace Discrimination Cases
Experiencing workplace discrimination is immensely difficult and, in some cases, downright frightening. It can be frustrating or overwhelming, and you may feel uncertain as to your rights and whether you can sue your employer for unjust and discriminatory practices.
The answer is yes; if your employer or potential employer discriminated against you, leading to emotional and/or financial hardship, you have the right to take legal action.
You can file a lawsuit and seek compensation for certain damages, such as:
- Lost wages
- Back pay
- Reinstatement
- Reasonable accommodations
- Attorney fees
- Punitive damages, including liquidated damages
- Compensatory damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical bills, etc.)
- Lost benefits (health insurance, pensions, sick leave, etc.)
Various factors influence the exact damages you may be entitled to receive, as well as the overall value of your claim. We recommend that you schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our employment discrimination lawyers to learn more.
Get in touch with us today at (888) 420-1299 or contact us online to request a free case review.
How Potts Law Firm Can Help
Taking on your employer can seem daunting, but with the right legal team by your side, you can effectively protect your rights and aggressively pursue the full, fair compensation you are owed.
At Potts Law Firm, we are passionate about standing up for employees who have suffered serious rights violations, including workplace discrimination and harassment. Our law office is known for moving quickly on these types of cases, as well as achieving the results our clients are owed. To date, we have secured more than $1 billion in compensation and have been named the Best of the Best in Houston for 2022.
We are prepared to assist you with every aspect of your claim, from gathering evidence and submitting paperwork to communicating with the opposing counsel. If necessary, our workplace discrimination attorneys can even represent you and your rights at trial. With multiple offices, we represent clients nationwide in complex employment law cases and labor disputes.
If you are unsure if you have a case, don’t hesitate to call us today for a free consultation. Our team of experienced attorneys are ready to review your claim and fight for you.
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At Potts Law Firm, we believe the details of your case matter and we work tirelessly to pursue just compensation on your behalf. Our team of experienced attorneys and staff are backed with the resources they need to win regardless of the obstacles your case faces. We do this all while keeping an open line of communication with you.