Why Choose Mesidor PLLC?
At Mesidor PLLC, we seek to empower New York employees by providing the resources they need to ignite change in the workplace. Led by Marjorie Mesidor’s example, our attorneys use their deep understanding of employment discrimination laws and aggressive litigation techniques for every case. We understand the losses discrimination can cause, which is why our compassionate attorneys have recovered over $87,000 in compensation for clients.
To further our mission of fair workplaces, we provide education on employee rights through social media and operate a non-profit fellowship program that prepares the next generation of employment discrimination attorneys. Whether you are looking for legal representation for an employment discrimination case or are simply learning more about your rights as an employee, we can help.
Understanding Employment Discrimination
Whether you work for the East Hampton School District or Northwell Health, you should feel respected and fairly treated at work. Unfortunately, there are many ways in which an employer can threaten an employee’s job security, well-being, and dignity at work through discriminatory actions. Some types of workplace discrimination include:
- Unfair treatment. Unfair treatment occurs when employment decisions are made based on a protected characteristic. Often, this involves decisions such as hiring, promoting, demoting, pay, scheduling, or firing.
- Denying reasonable accommodations. Whether you need a religious accommodation that adjusts the uniform or a disability accommodation such as accessible equipment, your employer must provide reasonable accommodations.
- Harassment. Harassment is unwelcome behavior that is persistent or severe, such as offensive jokes, slurs, unwanted touching, or requests for sexual favors. 37% of women experience sexual harassment at work, and 33% at school.
- Retaliation. Of all claims filed with the New York Division of Human Rights (DHR), 40% involved retaliation when opposing discrimination. Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes or poorly treats an employee who filed a complaint or claim against the employer, supports a victim of discrimination, or participates in an investigation.
What Are Protected Characteristics?
Protected characteristics are characteristics protected from discrimination or harassment. Several employment discrimination laws prevent employers from discriminating based on these qualities, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the New York State Human Rights Law. Examples of protected characteristics include:
- Race
- Color
- Sex
- Gender
- Age
- Disability status
- Religion
- National Origin
To file a claim in an employment discrimination case, the discrimination must be because you are part of a protected class. General poor treatment or bullying not based on a protected characteristic is not legally actionable.
Compensation in an Employment Discrimination Case
The impact of an employment discrimination case can be difficult to recover from. By filing a claim, you can pursue remedies such as reinstatement or promotion. You can also recover financial compensation for losses such as:
- Backpay
- Front pay
- Emotional damage
- Legal fees
- Punitive damages
Beyond compensation, an employment discrimination case can lead to remedies that protect you and other employees from further discrimination. This may involve court orders for an employer to stop discriminatory practices, implement further training for staff, or change company policies.
Why You Should Hire an Employment Discrimination Lawyer
Taking legal action against your employer can be overwhelming and stressful. A Hamptons employment discrimination lawyer can make this process easier by empowering you with the knowledge and support you need to hold your employer accountable.
An Hamptons lawyer can explain your legal options and outline the next steps in your case. Whether you are filing an internal complaint, undergoing settlement negotiations, or are in a trial, a lawyer can explain the legal process. Their dedicated guidance and relentless advocacy can lead to the full recovery you need.
FAQs
How Can You Prove You Are Being Treated Unfairly at Work?
You can prove you are being treated unfairly by using evidence of your experience. A lawyer can gather and analyze evidence such as records of communication with your employer, personal logs, witnesses, performance reviews, and internal complaints. Evidence can prove that you are suffering an adverse action due to a protected characteristic directly, or by comparing your experience to coworkers who are not in your protected class.
What Should You Do if You Are Experiencing Discrimination at Work?
If you are experiencing discrimination, document the time and details of the discrimination. Save any evidence, such as emails, witnesses, and performance reviews. Then, file an internal report with HR detailing what you have experienced. If an internal report does not resolve the issue, hire an employment discrimination lawyer who can help you file a claim against your employer.
Is It Worth Filing a Claim Against Your Employer for Employment Discrimination?
Yes, filing a claim against your employer can help you recover the damages you have suffered in your employment discrimination case. Whether you have lost wages and benefits from being wrongfully denied a promotion or experienced significant emotional distress, filing a claim can help you pursue compensation to make up for these losses. A Hamptons employment discrimination attorney can explain the benefits a claim would provide for your case.
Can You File a Claim Against an Employer if You no Longer Work for Them?
Yes, you can file a claim against an employer even if you no longer work for them. Often, employment discrimination can result in wrongful termination. Other times, an employee may choose to quit. When filing a claim against a previous employer, acting quickly is essential to avoid losing access to valuable evidence, avoiding internal company changes that can complicate a claim, and meeting the three-year statute of limitations.
Reach Out to a Hamptons Employment Discrimination Attorney
No matter what protected class you belong to, employment discrimination can be devastating to your mental health, financial stability, and career. Mesidor PLLC can guide you through the process of filing a claim against your employer, providing compassionate support and legal resources. Contact us today to uphold your dignity and legal rights at work.