Both Florida and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of specific protected characteristics. Under state and Federal law, both private and public employers in Fort Pierce 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, a Fort Pierce, 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 is shown upon finding a prior history of similar treatment of members of the same class, or upon testimony regarding the employer's statements that a reasonable person would understand to be biased. Furthermore, employers who fire someone or retaliate against them for bringing a discrimination lawsuit are clearly in violation of the law.

Employment discrimination claims have complicated filing procedures, because they involve pursuing the claim with particular agencies. An Fort Pierce, Florida 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.