and Federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of specificed protected characteristics, both in South Hadley and elswhere in the state. Under state and Federal law, both private and public employers in South Hadley may 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 class that is legally protected. Traits that employers may not use to evaluate you include race, national origin, gender, religion and familial status. To prove employment discrimination in South Hadley, Massachusetts, the plaintiff needs to be able to show that the employer's intent to treat them unfairly was motivated by their 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.

Pursuing an employment discrimination claim can often be complicated, because they involve filing your claim with certain agencies. An South Hadley, 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.