Specific characteristics are protected against discrimination under both and federal laws in Oil City and other communities of Pennsylvania. Depending on what type of trait prompted the discriminatory treatment, government employers and even private organizations in Oil City can 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 class that is legally protected. Employers may not base their evaluations of you on specific traits including religion, race, age, gender, national origin, and familial status. In Oil City, Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania?

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. Moreover, 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 specific agencies. An Oil City, Pennsylvania lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can assist you in pursuing any available remedies.