Certain characteristics are protected against discrimination under both and federal laws in Portland and other communities of Tennessee. Under state and Federal law, both private and public employers in Portland may be found liable for discrimination, depending on what type of trait originally prompted the discrimination.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

Employment discrimination is when an employer treats you unfairly because you belong to a legally protected class. Some traits which employers are not allowed to evaluate employees with are: race, age, national origin, religion, familial status, and gender. Plaintiffs in Portland, Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

This may be demonstrated 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. 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.

Pursuing an employment discrimination claim can often be complicated, because they involve filing your claim with certain agencies. A Portland, Tennessee lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can assist you in pursuing any available remedies.