and Federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of particular protected characteristics, both in Opelousas and elswhere in the state. Under state and Federal law, both private and public employers in Opelousas may be found liable for discrimination, depending on what type of trait originally prompted the discrimination.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

If an employee is a member of a legally protected category and their employer treats them unfairly because of that, the employer will be held liable for employment discrimination. 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, an Opelousas, Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

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 are in clear violation of the law when they fire someone or retaliate against them because they filed a discrimination lawsuit.

Pursuing an employment discrimination claim can often be complicated, because they involve filing your claim with specific agencies. Lawyers in the city of Opelousas, Louisiana may direct you in filing your claim on time, and while your case is pending, they can help you pursue additional remedies that might be available for you.