Particular characteristics are protected against discrimination under both and federal laws in Petersburg and other communities of Virginia. In Petersburg, 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. Plaintiffs in Petersburg, 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 may be demonstrated if the employer has treated others of the same status similarly, or when people testify to certain statements made by the employer that would indicate bias when heard by a reasonable person. Additionally, employers may be held liable for firing someone or retaliating against them because they brought a discrimination lawsuit.

Because it involves filing a claim with certain agencies, the procedure for pursuing employment discrimination claims can be complicated. Lawyers in the city of Petersburg, Virginia may direct you in filing your claim on time, and while your case is pending, they can help you pursue additional remedies that might be available for you.