Both Iowa and the federal government have passed laws that prohibiting discrimination on the basis of certain protected characteristics. Employers in the city of Polk County, 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 can occur if the employer treats an employee unfairly based on their membership in a class that is legally protected. Race, gender, religion, familial status and national origin are examples of some traits that employers may not use when evaluating you. To prove employment discrimination in Polk County, Iowa, the plaintiff needs to be able to show that the employer's intent to treat them unfairly was motivated by their protected status.

How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Iowa?

This will be proven if the employer in question has treated others of the same class in a similar manner. It may also be shown when there is testimony regarding specific employer statements that a reasonable person would define as biased. Additionally, employers are in clear violation of the law when they fire someone or retaliate against them because they filed a discrimination lawsuit.

The procedure for pursuing an employment discrimination claim is complicated, since it involves filing a claim with specific agencies. An attorney in Polk County, Iowa can assist you in filing on time, as well as pursuing other remedies that are available to you while your claim is pending.