and Federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of certain protected characteristics, both in Lake County and elswhere in the state. Depending on what type of trait prompted the discriminatory treatment, government employers and even private organizations in Lake County can be held liable under various state and federal laws.

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. Employers are prohibited from using particular traits to evaluate you such as national origin, religion, race, age, familial status, or gender. In order for a claim of employment discrimination to be proven, a Lake County, Indiana 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 Indiana?

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. Additionally, 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. A Lake County, Indiana lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can assist you in pursuing any available remedies.