Both Iowa and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of certain protected characteristics. Employers in the city of Burlington, whether public or private, may be held liable under federal and state laws depending on the type of trait first prompted the discrimination.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

Employment discrimination can occur if the employer treats an employee unfairly based on their membership in a class that is legally protected. Traits that employers may not use to evaluate you include race, national origin, gender, religion and familial status. In Burlington, Iowa, 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 Iowa?

This may be proved when there is a history of the employer treating members of the class similarly, or if witnesses testify about the employer's statements which would constitute bias as understood by a reasonable person. Furthermore, employers may be held liable for firing someone or retaliating against them because they brought a discrimination lawsuit.

Because it involves filing a claim with specificed agencies, the procedure for pursuing employment discrimination claims can be complicated. An attorney in Burlington, Iowa can assist you in filing on time, as well as pursuing other remedies that are available to you while your claim is pending.