The Federal government as well as the state of Washington have enacted laws which make it illegal to discriminate based on specified protected characteristics. Depending on what type of trait prompted the discriminatory treatment, government employers and even private organizations in Puyallup can be held liable under various state and federal laws.
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 Puyallup, 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 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, an employer who fires someone or otherwise retaliates because of a discrimination lawsuit is in clear violation of the law.
Procedures for pursuing an employment discrimination claim are complicated, because they involve filing the claim with the corresponding agency. A Puyallup, Washington lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can assist you in pursuing any available remedies.