and Federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of certain protected characteristics, both in Chatham and elswhere in the state. Under state and Federal law, both private and public employers in Chatham 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. 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 Chatham, Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?

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 Chatham, Massachusetts attorney can help you file on time, as well as pursue any additional remedies that may be available to you while your case is pending.