Charlotte Discrimination Lawyers
Protecting Your Legal Rights in the Workplace
Both state and federal laws bar employers from the practice of discrimination against employees or job applicants in the workplace. In this context, discrimination generally refers to unfair or unequal treatment that is based on certain characteristics, such as race or sex; these characteristics have become protected under the law. This type of discrimination can occur in any aspect of the employer-employee relationship, from job interviews to hiring to promotions and more. Where an individual has experienced discrimination in the workplace, he or she can bring a claim against the employer seeking damages that can include compensation for lost wages and benefits, emotional distress, and more.
If you believe you have suffered some type of discriminatory behavior from an employer, manager, or supervisor in the workplace, you can turn to Wooden Bowers. Our firm provides skilled and diligent legal representation in this aspect of employment law. We can conduct an investigation into your claim, negotiate a fair and just settlement, or take your claim to court. Our legal team has been successful in helping individuals across many types of industries in obtaining positive outcomes. As civil litigation lawyers, we have the know-how and the dedication you need at this critical time.
Have you faced workplace discrimination? Call Wooden Bowers at (704) 327-5944 to book a free case review or contact us online.
Discrimination in the Workplace
Discrimination in the workplace can be based on the following, all of which are unlawful:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Age; those over 40 are protected from discriminatory behavior that treats them differently or tries to force them into retirement or out of the workplace based on age
- Gender/sex
- Pregnancy and medical conditions related to childbirth or pregnancy
- Disability
- Religion
These characteristics are all protected by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which publishes information about how discrimination occurs, what it consists of, and how to seek relief. The EEOC also protects against pay discrimination that is prohibited by the Equal Pay Act of 1963 which requires employers to give equal pay to both men and women doing the same work in the workplace.
Federal laws that prohibit the above types of discrimination include Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. North Carolina has also enacted an anti-discrimination employment law called the North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act.
Discrimination Cases for Employees & Employers
Wooden Bowers can represent both employees pursuing discrimination claims as well as employers defending them.
Discrimination that can lead to claims may be based on the following adverse actions:
- Refusing to hire an applicant based on a protected characteristic
- Denying an employee a promotion, advancement, or some other benefit
- Firing an employee for discriminatory reasons
- Demoting an employee for discriminatory reasons
- Giving an employee an unfavorable transfer, work schedule, or placing him or her in an unfavorable job assignment
- Reducing an employee’s pay, work hours, or benefits
- Any other adverse action that substantially affects an employee’s employment
Work with Our Experienced Civil Litigators
Whether you are an employee who has suffered workplace discrimination and a violation of your rights or an employer facing such an accusation, our firm can help. We will start by carefully reviewing and analyzing the facts and circumstances of your situation, weighing its strengths and weaknesses to determine your chances for success, and giving you the guidance you need to make informed decisions about your options. In any valid claim or lawsuit, we provide thorough and aggressive legal help aimed at helping you reach a positive result.
Talk to a Charlotte discrimination attorney by contacting us at (704) 327-5944.