The Federal government as well as the state of Washington have enacted laws which make it illegal to discriminate based on defined protected characteristics. Depending on what type of trait prompted the discriminatory treatment, government employers and even private organizations in Lake Stevens may be held liable under various state and federal laws.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

Employment discrimination occurs when an employer treats you wrongly because of your membership in a legally protected class. Employers are prohibited from using specific traits to evaluate you such as national origin, religion, race, age, familial status, or gender. To show employment discrimination in Lake Stevens, Washington, 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 Washington?

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 particular statements that a reasonable person would conclude are biased. Moreover, an employer who fires someone or otherwise retaliates because of a discrimination lawsuit is in clear violation of the law.

Employment discrimination claims have complicated filing procedures, because they involve pursuing the claim with particular agencies. Lawyers in the city of Lake Stevens, Washington may direct you in filing your claim on time, and while your case is pending, they can help you pursue further remedies that might be available for you.