Laws have been passed under both New York and federal governments which prohibit discriminating on the basis of defined protected characteristics. Employers in the city of Dutchess County, whether public or private, may be held liable under federal and state laws depending on the type of trait first prompted the discrimination.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

Employment discrimination is when an employer treats you unfairly because you belong to a legally protected class. Employers are prohibited from using specific traits to evaluate you such as national origin, religion, race, age, familial status, or gender. To prove employment discrimination in Dutchess County, New York, 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 New York?

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 specific statements that a reasonable person would conclude are biased. Further, 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 particular agencies. A Dutchess County, New York lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can assist you in pursuing any available remedies.