Both Florida and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of specific protected characteristics. Employers in the city of St. Cloud, whether public or private, may 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 if an employer treats you wrongly because of your membership in a legally protected category. Race, gender, religion, familial status and national origin are examples of some traits that employers may not use when evaluating you. In order for a claim of employment discrimination to be proven, a St. Cloud, 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 shown if the employer has a history of mistreating people of the same status, or if individuals testify regarding the employer's specific statements that a reasonable person would conclude are biased. Moreover, employers may be held liable for firing someone or retaliating against them because they brought a discrimination lawsuit.

Procedures for pursuing an employment discrimination claim are complicated, because they involve filing the claim with the corresponding agency. An St. Cloud, Florida attorney can help you file on time, as well as pursue any additional remedies that may be available to you while your case is pending.