Chattanooga Workplace Discrimination Attorneys

Despite being unlawful and socially unacceptable, discrimination still persists in our society. Many lawyers frequently handle matters concerning workplace discrimination in Chattanooga and across the state of Tennessee. A Chattanooga discrimination lawyer at Employment and Commerce Law Group understands employment law and has successfully advocated for individuals in court. An experienced employment attorney can pursue violations of federal discrimination laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).

What is Discrimination in the Workplace?

Any member of one of the protected classes who a company did not hire, fired, demoted, or denied a raise or promotion may be a victim of discrimination. Even if they just had to endure a hostile work environment because of their membership in that class, they may have experienced discrimination. Discrimination is not always easy to prove. A demotion or failure to secure a job is not necessarily discriminatory.

Commonly Discriminated Factors

The law protects certain classes of people against discrimination in the workplace. A Chattanooga discrimination lawyers common cases include the following intolerance:

Filing a Discrimination Claim

The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws that legally prohibits discrimination. Filing a claim with the EEOC is typically the first step in pursuing a discrimination matter. An individual must file a claim with the EEOC no later than 180 days following the discriminatory incident, so time is of the essence in these matters.

Defining Age, Sex and Gender Discrimination

Discriminating against an employee who over the age of forty is unlawful under the ADEA. Employment practices that do not give workers over forty the same benefits and opportunities as younger workers may amount to age discrimination.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination because of sex or gender. As a Chattanooga discrimination lawyer knows, discrimination in the workplace against a pregnant employee because of her pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition is impermissible.

Sex and gender discrimination may include paying a female employee less than a comparable male employee, creating a hostile workplace, or failing to promote candidates of a particular sex or gender.

Race and Ethnic Discrimination

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act strictly prohibits treating someone differently in the workplace because of their race or ethnicity. If an employer denies someone opportunities or pays someone less at work because of their race or ethnicity, they may have a valid discrimination claim.

What is Discrimination Toward Disabilities?

The ADA makes it illegal to discriminate against disabled persons or persons who previously had a disability. The ADA prohibits discrimination in all aspects of employment including hiring, compensation, promotions, and termination. The ADA also requires employers provide reasonable accommodations for disabled workers.

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to receive back pay, lost wages, or attorney’s fees. Other legal remedies may include job reinstatement, promotion, or employment in a position you were wrongfully denied. A Chattanooga discrimination attorney could work with you to obtain the compensation you should receive due to the discrimination you experienced. Contact us today to schedule for a free consultation.