Bridgeport Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

Federal and state laws work to ensure fair treatment in employment. Various laws protect people from discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and other characteristics. Although discrimination is illegal, it is still entrenched in our society. Many companies demonstrate biases in hiring, promotion, and firing. Some even tolerate harassment and other abusive behavior.

If you believe you were subject to employment discrimination or harassment, discuss legal remedies with an attorney. Consult a Bridgeport workplace discrimination lawyer at Ruane Attorneys when you recognize unfair treatment. We could investigate the situation and guide you through the legal process of seeking justice.

What are Discriminatory Employment Practices?

The Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act prohibits employers from making employment decisions based on race, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, age, marital status, physical or intellectual disability, and other categories. Various federal laws also bar discrimination in employment practices.

According to state law, companies with at least one employee may not discriminate in any aspect of employment, including the following:

• Hiring
• Promotion
• Wages
• Benefits
• Working conditions
• Enrichment opportunities

Additionally, retaliation for speaking up about unfair workplace conditions is a form of illegal, discriminatory conduct.

If a person’s identity or membership in a protected category is the reason for disparate treatment, the employer is engaging in illegal discrimination. Tolerating another employee’s discriminatory behavior is also illegal. Our Bridgeport lawyers could evaluate a specific situation and advise an employee on the next best steps to combat discrimination.

Working With an Administrative Agency to Stop Discriminatory Conduct

Someone who believes they are the target of workplace discrimination must file a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO). The CHRO also could refer claims to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Ruane Attorneys could advise an individual on cross-filing a workplace discrimination complaint or directing it toward the state or federal agency.

Whether the claim goes through CHRO or the EEOC, the agency will investigate the claim, including contacting the employer for their response to the complaint. In many cases, agency intervention can resolve the issue to the employee’s satisfaction. The employer might offer a financial settlement and changes in working conditions or policies. The employee would sign a settlement agreement releasing legal claims.

The employee could ask the agency for a Release of Jurisdiction if the administrative process does not produce an acceptable settlement. This document confirms that the employee has exhausted their administrative remedies and is entitled to pursue their claim through the court system.

Seeking Damages for Work Discrimination in Bridgeport

A worker could pursue justice in the courts once they have attempted to resolve the matter administratively. If the employer has at least 15 employees, the worker can choose whether to sue in state or federal court. The local attorneys at our firm can help determine which court is a better forum for a specific employment discrimination case.

To win their case, the worker and their attorney must prove the discrimination allegations with evidence. This could include copies of text messages, emails, performance reviews, photographs, videos, and other documentary evidence demonstrating the employer’s discriminatory practices.

Employers often want to avoid public trials and the negative attention that comes with them. Our lawyers in Bridgeport could ensure that a settlement provides adequate compensation and includes provisions guaranteeing that the discrimination will end.

Fight Against Workplace Discrimination with a Bridgeport Attorney

Discrimination at work is disheartening, but you do not have to tolerate it. The law provides remedies for seeking justice and holding wrongdoers accountable. Despite this, it can be difficult to successfully bring a discrimination claim against your employer without legal counsel.

Contact a Bridgeport workplace discrimination lawyer immediately if you believe your employer is treating you unfairly. At Ruane Attorneys, we can help determine an effective strategy for addressing the mistreatment and preventing future discrimination. Schedule a consultation by calling us today.