Both Alabama and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of specific protected characteristics. Government and private employers in Opelika may 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?

If an employee is a member of a legally protected category and their employer treats them unfairly because of that, the employer will be held liable for employment discrimination. Traits that employers may not use to evaluate you include race, national origin, gender, religion and familial status. In Opelika, Alabama, in order to succeed on an employment discrimination claim, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the employer's intent in treating them differently was based on the protected status.

How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Alabama?

This will be proven if the employer in question has treated others of the same class in a similar manner. It may also be shown when there is testimony regarding specific employer statements that a reasonable person would define as biased. Moreover, employers may be held liable for firing someone or retaliating against them because they brought a discrimination lawsuit.

Employment discrimination claims have complicated filing procedures, because they involve pursuing the claim with specific agencies. An Opelika, Alabama attorney can help you file on time, as well as pursue any additional remedies that may be available to you while your case is pending.