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

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. Some traits which employers are not allowed to evaluate employees with include: race, age, national origin, religion, familial status, and gender. In order for a claim of employment discrimination to be successful, an Oxford, North Carolina 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 North Carolina?

This can 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 may be held liable for firing someone or retaliating against them because they brought a discrimination lawsuit.

Because it involves filing a claim with certain agencies, the procedure for pursuing employment discrimination claims can be complicated. An Oxford, North Carolina attorney can help you file on time, as well as pursue any further remedies that may be available to you while your case is pending.