Laws have been passed under both Ohio and federal governments which prohibit discriminating on the basis of defined protected characteristics. In Wood County, government and private organizations may be held liable for discrimination, depending on what type of trait the unfair treatment was originally based on.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

If an employee is a member of a legally protected category and their employer treats them unfairly because of that, the employer will be held liable for employment discrimination. Traits that employers may not use to evaluate you include race, national origin, gender, religion and familial status. In Wood County, Ohio, in order to succeed on an employment discrimination claim, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the employer's intent in treating them differently was based on the protected status.

How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Ohio?

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. Furthermore, an employer who fires someone or otherwise retaliates because of a discrimination lawsuit is in clear violation of the law.

Pursuing an employment discrimination claim can often be complicated, because they involve filing your claim with certain agencies. A Wood County, Ohio lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can assist you in pursuing any available remedies.