and Federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of certain protected characteristics, both in Middlesex County and elswhere in the state. Under state and Federal law, both private and public employers in Middlesex County can be found liable for discrimination, depending on what type of trait originally 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 category that is legally protected. Traits that employers can not use to evaluate you include race, national origin, gender, religion and familial status. In Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in order to succeed on an employment discrimination claim, the plaintiff must show that the employer's intent in treating them differently was based on the protected status.

How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Massachusetts?

This is shown upon finding a prior history of similar treatment of members of the same class, or upon testimony regarding the employer's statements that a reasonable person would understand to be biased. Additionally, an employer who fires someone or otherwise retaliates because of a discrimination lawsuit is in clear violation of the law.

Employment discrimination claims have complicated filing procedures, because they involve pursuing the claim with particular agencies. Middlesex County, Massachusetts has many lawyers available to help you in filing in a timely fashion, and they can also help you pursue any remedies that might be available to you while your case is being processed.