The Federal government as well as the state of West Virginia have enacted laws which make it illegal to discriminate based on defined protected characteristics. Government and private employers in Ravenswood can be held liable under state and federal law depending on what kind of trait the discriminatory treatment was based upon.

How Does Employment Discrimination Occur?

Employment discrimination occurs when an employer treats you unfairly because you belong to a legally protected category. Employers are prohibited from using specific traits to evaluate you such as national origin, religion, race, age, familial status, or gender. In Ravenswood, West Virginia, in order to succeed on an employment discrimination claim, the plaintiff must show that the employer's intent in treating them differently was based on the protected status.

How can Employment Discrimination be Proven in West Virginia?

This may be shown if the employer has treated others of the same status similarly, or when people testify to particular statements made by the employer that would indicate bias when heard 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. An attorney in Ravenswood, West Virginia can help you in filing on time, as well as pursuing other remedies that are available to you while your claim is pending.