Workplace Discrimination
Unlawful discrimination based on race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, ethnicity, marital status, military status, veteran status, and even your accent, may have kept you from getting a job or promotion, or may have subjected you to a hostile and degrading work environment. You may have been forced to quit your job, or are still at the job trying to figure out what to do. You may be seeking mental health treatment, or are already seeing a mental health counselor.
Whether you are a government employee, a private employee, a consultant, or an independent contractor, employment discrimination can be one of life’s most stressful and debilitating experiences. Still, there are state and federal laws and lawyers to protect you against such wrongs. You should call a lawyer to explore what protections the law provides.
Examples of unlawful discrimination may include your receiving less or unequal pay, not being hired, not being given a promotion, or wrongful termination. You may be subjected to harassment or to a hostile work environment. Additionally, employers may unlawfully retaliate against you for your complaining about unlawful discrimination at the workplace.
Discrimination at the workplace is not only an insult to the employee, but studies have found that it costs employers money. Despite the fact that many Massachusetts employers have taken steps to protect employees from discrimination, it still happens.
Supporting documents for discrimination cases
When you meet with another attorney or me, it is important to gather all relevant documents, as discrimination cases require actual evidence. Depending on on your circumstances and whether you are still at the job, some of the documents that a lawyer will likely want to review include:
- Your personnel file, which can be acquired from your employer
- Wage payment documentation, including payroll and W-2s
- Employee handbooks, manuals, and company policies and procedures
- Documents showing harassment or discrimination
- Correspondence and emails with your employer, supervisor, and co-workers