The Federal government as well as the state of West Virginia have enacted laws which make it illegal to discriminate based on specified protected characteristics. Government and private employers in Vienna may 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 is when an employer treats you unfairly because you belong to 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 prove employment discrimination in Vienna, West Virginia, 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 West Virginia?

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 specific 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 specific agencies. A Vienna, West Virginia lawyer can help you file in a timely manner, and while your case is pending, they can assist you in pursuing any available remedies.