Racial Discrimination in Bridgeport

Our country made significant strides in civil rights legislation over sixty years ago. However, many still experience racial discrimination when seeking employment, housing, or credit.

Contact a local attorney if you believe you missed an opportunity due to racial discrimination in Bridgeport. The legal team at Ruane Attorneys could discuss the situation with you and determine your ability to pursue a lawsuit in state or federal court.

State and Federal Laws Ban Discrimination in Employment

Connecticut General Statute §46a-60 is an anti-discrimination law for employers with at least three employees. A similar federal statute applies to employers with at least 15 employees. The laws forbid employers from discriminating based on various characteristics when deciding whether to hire or fire someone, including their:

• Race
• Sex
• Gender identification
• Age
• Disability

The law also forbids employers from considering these characteristics when determining an employee’s compensation, working conditions, or privileges.

Hostile Work Environment

State and federal laws also bar employers from creating or allowing a hostile work environment. Employers are responsible for ensuring their employees are safe from harassment and intimidation. Anyone who experiences racial comments, insults, or any derogatory communication from coworkers could have a complaint against their employer for allowing a hostile workplace.

Anyone who experiences racially charged harassment or discrimination at work should immediately report the behavior to their supervisor and Human Resources manager. Complaints should be in writing, if possible. A victim of discriminatory behavior should save every piece of paper, voicemail, email, text, or other communication that expresses racial contempt. They should document each incident of verbal or physical abuse with as much detail as possible. A Bridgeport attorney at our firm could use this proof to support a racial discrimination lawsuit against the employer.

Damages in Racial Discrimination Cases

A plaintiff in a racial discrimination lawsuit must be able to prove that the employer mistreated them due to their race, color, or background. Depending on the circumstances, a plaintiff might need to produce educational and employment records, performance evaluations, and other documents proving they were qualified to do a specific job. If the issue relates to compensation, a Bridgeport lawyer could work to show that other employees of different racial backgrounds made more money or had different opportunities.

If an attorney can prove an employer allowed racial discrimination in the workplace, a plaintiff could receive monetary damages. Damages could include:

• Lost wages, including salary increases not received due to discrimination
• The value of benefits not received
• Compensation for embarrassment, humiliation, and emotional suffering
• Attorney’s fees and court costs

Courts sometimes award punitive damages in racial discrimination cases. Punitive damages punish the employer for their wrongdoing and deter similar behavior in the future.

Racial Discrimination in Other Contexts

People often experience racial discrimination in the workplace, but employers are not the only ones who discriminate. A person might experience discrimination when applying for housing, getting credit, or trying to vote. Sadly, some police departments use excessive force based on racial biases.

Federal civil rights laws (and, in some cases, state laws) could help a victim of racial discrimination outside the workplace. The procedures and possible remedies differ depending on the context of the discriminatory violation.

A Bridgeport lawyer at Ruane Attorneys could assess a racial discrimination claim and inform a person of their legal options. In some cases, the victim could bring the wrongdoer to court and hold them liable for monetary damages.

Contact a Bridgeport Attorney for Help Asserting a Discrimination Claim

If you were the victim of racial discrimination in Bridgeport, you need a legal advocate to fight for your rights. Contact a Bridgeport attorney familiar with Connecticut’s human rights laws to discuss your case. Ruane Attorneys is dedicated to achieving justice for people who have suffered unfair and illegal discrimination. Call our firm today for legal counsel and support.