Both Florida and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of certain protected characteristics. Under state and Federal law, both private and public employers in Marion County may 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 class that is legally protected. Employers may not base their evaluations of you on certain traits including religion, race, age, gender, national origin, and familial status. In Marion County, Florida, 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 Florida?

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

Pursuing an employment discrimination claim can often be complicated, because they involve filing your claim with certain agencies. A Marion County, Florida lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can assist you in pursuing any available remedies.