Certain characteristics are protected against discrimination under both and federal laws in East Greenwich and other communities of Rhode Island. Government and private employers in East Greenwich 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?

An employer will be found guilty of employment discrimination if they treat an employee unfairly because they belong to a class that is legally protected. Traits that employers may not use to evaluate you include race, national origin, gender, religion and familial status. To prove employment discrimination in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island?

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. Additionally, employers who fire someone or retaliate against them for bringing a discrimination lawsuit are clearly in violation of the law.

The procedure for pursuing an employment discrimination claim is complicated, since it involves filing a claim with specific agencies. An East Greenwich, Rhode Island lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can assist you in pursuing any available remedies.