Particular characteristics are protected against discrimination under both and federal laws in Ashland and other communities of Virginia. In Ashland, government and private organizations may be held liable for discrimination, depending on what type of trait the unfair treatment was originally based on.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

Employment discrimination occurs if an employer treats you wrongly because of your membership in a legally protected category. Race, gender, religion, familial status and national origin are examples of some traits that employers may not use when evaluating you. Plaintiffs in Ashland, Virginia 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 Virginia?

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, employers may be held liable for firing someone or retaliating against them because they brought a discrimination lawsuit.

Employment discrimination claims have complicated filing procedures, because they involve pursuing the claim with specific agencies. An Ashland, Virginia attorney can help you file on time, as well as pursue any additional remedies that may be available to you while your case is pending.