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 Valdese 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. Race, gender, religion, familial status and national origin are examples of some traits that employers can not use when evaluating you. In order for a claim of employment discrimination to be successful, a Valdese, 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 shown if the employer has a history of mistreating people of the same status, or if individuals testify regarding the employer's particular statements that a reasonable person would conclude are biased. Furthermore, employers may be held liable for firing someone or retaliating against them because they brought a discrimination lawsuit.

Procedures for filing an employment discrimination claim are complicated, because they involve filing the claim with the corresponding agency. A Valdese, North Carolina lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can help you in pursuing any available remedies.