Both Alabama and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of particular protected characteristics. Government and private employers in Jefferson County can be held liable under state and federal law depending on what kind of trait the discriminatory treatment was based upon.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

An employer will be deemed guilty of employment discrimination if they treat an employee unfairly because they belong to a category that is legally protected. Employers are prohibited from using particular traits to evaluate you such as national origin, religion, race, age, familial status, or gender. To show employment discrimination in Jefferson County, Alabama, the plaintiff needs to be able to show that the employer's intent to treat them unfairly was motivated by their protected status.

How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Alabama?

This may be shown if the employer has treated others of the same status similarly, or when people testify to certain statements made by the employer that would indicate bias when heard by a reasonable person. Moreover, an employer violates the law if they terminate a person's employment or otherwise retaliate in response to a discrimination lawsuit filed against them.

Because it involves filing a claim with certain agencies, the procedure for pursuing employment discrimination claims can be complicated. Lawyers in the city of Jefferson County, Alabama may direct you in filing your claim on time, and while your case is pending, they can help you pursue further remedies that might be available for you.