Both Georgia and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of particular protected characteristics. Employers in the city of Palmetto, 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?

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. Some traits which employers are not allowed to evaluate employees with are: race, age, national origin, religion, familial status, and gender. In order for a claim of employment discrimination to be proven, a Palmetto, Georgia 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 Georgia?

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.

Because it involves filing a claim with certain agencies, the procedure for pursuing employment discrimination claims can be complicated. An attorney in Palmetto, Georgia can assist you in filing on time, as well as pursuing other remedies that are available to you while your claim is pending.