Particular characteristics are protected against discrimination under both and federal laws in Cookeville and other communities of Tennessee. Government and private employers in Cookeville can 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?

Employment discrimination can occur if the employer treats an employee unfairly based on their membership in a category that is legally protected. Employers can not base their evaluations of you on particular traits including religion, race, age, gender, national origin, and familial status. In order for a claim of employment discrimination to be successful, a Cookeville, Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

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 particular statements that a reasonable person would conclude are biased. Furthermore, employers who fire someone or retaliate against them for bringing a discrimination lawsuit are clearly in violation of the law.

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