Workplace Discrimination Lawyer in Knoxville, TN
No one should have to endure discrimination in the workplace. Not only is discrimination prohibited toward current employees, it is also illegal to discriminate against prospective employees during the job application process. Our Knoxville workplace discrimination attorney handle discrimination cases dealing with discriminatory hiring, firing, promotions, pay raises and many other situations.
Federal law prohibits discrimination against an employee because of their race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation or identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
Discrimination is not always blatant but often appears in more subtle ways to avoid detection. Often discrimination may go unnoticed by other employees at the office. In any scenario, the situation should be remedied and employees have rights to protect them against illegal discrimination.
If you experienced any form of discrimination, a Knoxville workplace discrimination lawyer at Employment and Commerce Law Group may be able to help you file a claim. Our seasoned employment attorneys understand the seriousness and sensitivity of these issues and could work to help you resolve your discrimination matters.
Knoxville Workers Are Protected Against Discrimination by Both State and Federal Laws
There is a comprehensive body of federal and state law that addresses workplace discrimination. Federal law designed to prevent illegal discrimination in the workplace includes: the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (GINA), and the Civil Rights Act of 1991. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency that enforces some of these laws.
In some cases, if an employee files a lawsuit before filing with the EEOC, their lawsuit may be dismissed. The Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA) and the Tennessee Disabilities Act provide the same protections as the federal laws mentioned above for employees in Tennessee. For more information about the state and federal laws concerning work discrimination, consult with a Knoxville workplace discrimination lawyer.
Age Discrimination
The ADEA and THRA protect workers over the age of 40 from discrimination, giving them the same opportunities and benefits as their younger peers. Employer policies or hiring procedures should not have a negative impact on older employees.
Disability Discrimination
Discrimination against disabled persons is illegal. The ADA and TDA protect workers who can perform the required basic job duties with reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are generally considered minimal changes and therefore should be easily implemented.
Sex and Gender Discrimination
It is illegal in Tennessee to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender. Discrimination due to pregnancy or childbirth also falls into this category. Issues with this form of discrimination often involve disparities in pay between men and women who perform the same job functions.
Racial and Religious Discrimination
Employees should have equal opportunities regardless of their racial background. Discrimination based on race is also illegal in Tennessee. Protections from racial discrimination also extend to persons whose spouse is of a certain race.
It is illegal in Tennessee to discriminate because of an employee’s religious beliefs. Employers are expected to make reasonable accommodations to allow an employee to practice their religion and also attend religious services. One of our skilled lawyers could help protect your rights if you have been a victim of workplace discrimination.
Filing a Workplace Discrimination Claim in Knoxville with an Attorney
We can help you file a discrimination claim with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC), the EEOC, or a lawsuit in federal or state court. Generally, the EEOC allows you 180 days from the day of the alleged discrimination to file a claim.
Proving that unfair treatment at work is discriminatory can be challenging, but our firm is committed to helping you uncover the truth. To set up a meeting to discuss a potential claim with a workplace discrimination lawyer in Knoxville, reach out to our office at any time.
