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 Yakima County 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. Employers may not base their evaluations of you on specific traits including religion, race, age, gender, national origin, and familial status. In order for a claim of employment discrimination to be proven, a Yakima County, Washington plaintiff must show that his (or her) employer actively intended to treat him differently because of his 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. Moreover, 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 particular agencies, the procedure for pursuing employment discrimination claims can be complicated. Lawyers in the city of Yakima County, Washington 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.