Certain characteristics are protected against discrimination under both and federal laws in Indiana and other communities of Pennsylvania. Depending on what type of trait prompted the discriminatory treatment, government employers and even private organizations in Indiana 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 Indiana, Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

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. Furthermore, employers may be held liable for firing someone or retaliating against them because they brought a discrimination lawsuit.

The procedure for pursuing an employment discrimination claim is complicated, since it involves filing a claim with specific agencies. An attorney in Indiana, Pennsylvania can help you in filing on time, as well as pursuing other remedies that are available to you while your claim is pending.