Both Arkansas and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of particular protected characteristics. Government and private employers in Walnut Ridge 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?

Employment discrimination can occur if the employer treats an employee unfairly based on their membership in a category that is legally protected. Race, gender, religion, familial status and national origin are examples of some traits that employers can not use when evaluating you. In order for a claim of employment discrimination to be successful, a Walnut Ridge, Arkansas plaintiff must show that his (or her) employer actively intended to treat him differently because of his protected status.

How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Arkansas?

This can be shown if the employer has a history of mistreating people of the same status, or if individuals testify regarding the employer's particular statements that a reasonable person would conclude are biased. Furthermore, employers who fire someone or retaliate against them for bringing a discrimination lawsuit are clearly in violation of the law.

Pursuing an employment discrimination claim can often be complicated, because they involve filing your claim with particular agencies. An attorney in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas can help you in filing on time, as well as pursuing other remedies that are available to you while your claim is pending.