Certain characteristics are protected against discrimination under both and federal laws in Smithfield and other communities of Rhode Island. Government and private employers in Smithfield 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 Smithfield, 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. Additionally, 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 specific agencies. A Smithfield, 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.