and Federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of specificed protected characteristics, both in South Portland and elswhere in the state. Employers in the city of South Portland, whether public or private, can 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 occurs when an employer treats you unfairly because you belong to a legally protected category. Employers are prohibited from using certain traits to evaluate you such as national origin, religion, race, age, familial status, or gender. To show employment discrimination in South Portland, Maine, 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 Maine?

This may be shown if the employer has treated others of the same status similarly, or when people testify to specific 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 specificed agencies, the procedure for pursuing employment discrimination claims can be complicated. An South Portland, Maine attorney can help you file on time, as well as pursue any further remedies that may be available to you while your case is pending.