Certain characteristics are protected against discrimination under both and federal laws in Norfolk and other communities of Virginia. In Norfolk, 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?
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. Some traits which employers are not allowed to evaluate employees with are: race, age, national origin, religion, familial status, and gender. To prove employment discrimination in Norfolk, Virginia, the plaintiff needs to be able to show that the employer's intent to treat them unfairly was motivated by their protected status.
How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in Virginia?
This may be proved when there is a history of the employer treating members of the class similarly, or if witnesses testify about the employer's statements which would constitute bias as understood by a reasonable person. Additionally, employers who fire someone or retaliate against them for bringing a discrimination lawsuit are clearly in violation of the law.
Because it involves filing a claim with specificed agencies, the procedure for pursuing employment discrimination claims can be complicated. An Norfolk, 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.