Unfortunately, in today’s workforce, discrimination is a serious issue that can significantly impact an employee’s well-being and career. If workplace discrimination has reared its ugly head at you, you don’t have to sit idly by and accept it. Instead, you should take the necessary steps to fight the injustice of it with the help of a trusted New York Discrimination Lawyer who can help you file a report. Please continue reading to learn how you can prove workplace discrimination.
What is Workplace Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination can present itself in a multitude of forms. However, it occurs when an employer treats an employee or applicant unfairly based on certain characteristics. Although there are no laws against an employer engaging in conduct that is overbearing or demanding, both state and federal laws protect workers against workplace discrimination. Many employees are unsure of whether or not they have been the victims of discrimination while on the job. The following include protected characteristics:
- Age
- Color
- Disability
- Employer retaliation for engaging in a protected activity
- Gender
- Genetic information
- Marital status
- National origin
- Pregnancy
- Race
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
- Veteran status
How Can I Prove Workplace Discrimination in New York?
If you have been the victim of workplace discrimination, you may be entitled to compensation. This compensation can include back wages, compensatory damages, and punitive damages. To get the justice you deserve, you will need substantial evidence. As such, you should document everything you can, keeping details records of any incidents that were discriminatory. It’s beneficial to record the date, the time, the names of those involved, witnesses, and details of what exactly happened. Evidence under these circumstances can take several forms. Alongside documenting all occurrences, you should contact any witnesses to the discriminatory behavior to provide a statement about what happened to you. Witness testimony is crucial as it can support your claim, providing firsthand knowledge of the situation.
Furthermore, it’s important to understand that an employment discrimination case hinges upon the fact that you were treated differently from others in similar situations because of a specific characteristic. If you can collect evidence that demonstrates a coworker of a different race, gender, religion, age, etc, has received better treatment, opportunities, or promotions despite having similar or lesser qualifications, this comparative evidence can show that your employer engaged in discriminatory practices.
If you believe you are the victim of discrimination by your employer, please don’t hesitate to contact a trusted lawyer from the Bell Law Group, PLLC, who can help protect your rights and effectively represent your interests. Connect with us today to discuss your legal options.