Under the U.S. Constitution and Title VII of the U.S. Code, racial discrimination is illegal in Kentucky. According to such laws, an employer cannot use race as the basis for making decisions regarding hiring, recruitment, wage levels, or promotion opportunities.

What Must Be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

Federal investigations of workplace discrimination are conducted by the agency called the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Employees who are victims of discrimination are required to file their claim with the EEOC before filing suit in a court of law. Racial discrimination claims involve situations where an employers treat workers differently than other workers who are of a different race.

To succeed on a claim of racial discrimination, the Paducah plaintiff must also prove that his employer acted with an intent to discriminate based on race or nationality. Proof of an employer's intent to discriminate can be shown if they have preferentially treated workers of different races than the plaintiff.

How Can a Paducah Lawyer Help with My Claim?

In certain instances, intent to discriminate may also be established by using recorded statements by the employer regarding racial issues. In this area of litigation, procedural laws will vary greatly depending on where the claim is filed, and a Paducah attorney will be knowledgeable of the requirements for your particular location. Should you decide to file your claim at the EEOC, a Kentucky lawyer will be able to help you out, and they can also point you towards other types of remedies available to you while your claim is pending.