What Is Employment Discrimination?
Broadly speaking, discrimination is when someone is treated differently or less favorably for some reason. Not all workplace discrimination is per se illegal. Instead, the law identifies certain protected characteristics or groups. Discrimination on the basis of such a characteristic or membership in that group is against the law. This includes discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, age (if you are 40 or older), national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy, or genetic information.
As for what qualifies as a discriminatory act, the obvious ones include firing or refusing to hire someone based on their protected status. But discrimination also encompasses any disparate workplace treatment, such as compensation, benefits, promotions, or work assignments. Basically, if your employer is singling you out for adverse treatment based on your protected status, that is employment discrimination.
What Are My Remedies for Employment Discrimination?
If you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination, your first step is to file a formal complaint with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Both agencies have the power to authority to conduct initial investigations into employee complaints. If the relevant agency decides to close an investigation without taking formal action, you then have the right as the affected employee to file your own lawsuit against the employer.
A successful employment discrimination claim can mean the employer is required to compensate you for your economic losses and suffering arising from the illegal activities. If you would like to learn more about this process and how it could help you, contact the Walnut Creek employee discrimination lawyers at Venardi Zurada, LLP, today to schedule a consultation. There is no charge to speak with us, and in fact you will not have to pay any legal fees or costs unless we agree to take your case and win monetary compensation on your behalf. Call us at (833) 893-6763 or contact us online.
