Specific characteristics are protected against discrimination under both and federal laws in Providence County and other communities of Rhode Island. Government and private employers in Providence County may be held liable under state and federal law depending on what kind of trait the discriminatory treatment was based upon.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

An employer will be found guilty of employment discrimination if they treat an employee unfairly because they belong to a class that is legally protected. Traits that employers may not use to evaluate you include race, national origin, gender, religion and familial status. Plaintiffs in Providence County, Rhode Island are required to prove that their employer treated them unfairly due to their protected status in order to succeed on an employment discrimination claim.

How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Rhode Island?

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

Employment discrimination claims have complicated filing procedures, because they involve pursuing the claim with specific agencies. A Providence County, Rhode Island lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can assist you in pursuing any available remedies.