Certain characteristics are protected against discrimination under both and federal laws in Elizabethton and other communities of Tennessee. Government and private employers in Elizabethton 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 certain traits including religion, race, age, gender, national origin, and familial status. In Elizabethton, Tennessee, in order to succeed on an employment discrimination claim, the plaintiff must show that the employer's intent in treating them differently was based on the protected status.

How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Tennessee?

This may be shown if the employer has treated others of the same status similarly, or when people testify to specific statements made by the employer that would indicate bias when heard by a reasonable person. Furthermore, an employer violates the law if they terminate a person's employment or otherwise retaliate in response to a discrimination lawsuit filed against them.

Procedures for filing an employment discrimination claim are complicated, because they involve filing the claim with the corresponding agency. An Elizabethton, 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.