Both Florida and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of particular protected characteristics. Under state and Federal law, both private and public employers in Escambia County can be found liable for discrimination, depending on what type of trait originally 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 category that is legally protected. Some traits which employers are not allowed to evaluate employees with include: race, age, national origin, religion, familial status, and gender. In order for a claim of employment discrimination to be successful, an Escambia County, Florida 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 Florida?

This can 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 may be held liable for firing someone or retaliating against them because they brought a discrimination lawsuit.

Because it involves filing a claim with certain agencies, the procedure for pursuing employment discrimination claims can be complicated. Lawyers in the city of Escambia County, Florida may direct you in filing your claim on time, and while your case is pending, they can help you pursue further remedies that might be available for you.