Laws have been passed under both Mississippi and federal governments which prohibit discriminating on the basis of defined protected characteristics. Depending on what type of trait prompted the discriminatory treatment, government employers and even private organizations in Hazlehurst can be held liable under various state and federal laws.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

Employment discrimination occurs if an employer treats you wrongly because of your membership in a legally protected category. Race, gender, religion, familial status and national origin are examples of some traits that employers may not use when evaluating you. In order for a claim of employment discrimination to be proven, a Hazlehurst, Mississippi 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 Mississippi?

This is demonstrated 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 hold to be biased. Additionally, an employer violates the law if they terminate a person's employment or otherwise retaliate in response to a discrimination lawsuit filed against them.

The procedure for pursuing an employment discrimination claim is complicated, since it involves filing a claim with specific agencies. Lawyers in the city of Hazlehurst, Mississippi 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.