Employment discrimination in the workplace - Pennsylvania

Employment discrimination is a serious issue that affects many workers in Pennsylvania. If you believe you have been discriminated against in the workplace, you may be entitled to file a claim. The process of bringing an employment discrimination claim in Pennsylvania can be complex, but with the right information and guidance, you can navigate it successfully. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps involved in bringing an employment discrimination claim in Pennsylvania.

Step 1: Understand the Different Types of Employment Discrimination

Before you can bring a claim for employment discrimination, it is important to understand what constitutes discrimination in the workplace. Under Pennsylvania law, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees on the basis of their race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age (40 years and older), or genetic information. Discrimination can take many forms, including:

• Refusing to hire, promote, or train an employee because of their protected status.
• Paying an employee less than other employees doing similar work because of their protected status.
• Firing or laying off an employee because of their protected status.
• Harassing an employee because of their protected status.
• Failing to provide reasonable accommodations to an employee with a disability.

If you have experienced any of these forms of discrimination in the workplace, you may have grounds for a claim.

Step 2: File a Charge with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Before you can file a lawsuit for employment discrimination in Pennsylvania, you must first file a charge with either the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The PHRC is a state agency that handles discrimination claims in Pennsylvania, while the EEOC is a federal agency that handles claims under federal law.

To file a charge with either agency, you must complete a form that provides details about the discrimination you experienced, including when it occurred, who was involved, and how it affected you. You must file your charge within 180 days of the discriminatory act, or within 300 days if the discrimination occurred in a place with its own state or local anti-discrimination law. Once your charge is filed, the agency will investigate the matter and may attempt to mediate a settlement between you and your employer.

Step 3: Consider Mediation

In some cases, the PHRC or the EEOC may offer mediation as an option for resolving your discrimination claim. Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party works with you and your employer to try to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Mediation can be a faster and less expensive way to resolve your claim than going to court, but it is not always successful.

Step 4: File a Lawsuit

If mediation is unsuccessful, or if you choose not to pursue it, you may file a lawsuit against your employer. To file a lawsuit for employment discrimination in Pennsylvania, you must first obtain a right-to-sue letter from the PHRC or the EEOC. This letter gives you permission to file a lawsuit in court.

In your lawsuit, you must prove that your employer engaged in discriminatory behavior and that this behavior harmed you in some way, such as by causing you to lose your job or suffer emotional distress. You may also be entitled to damages, such as lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages.

Step 5: Seek Legal Representation

Bringing an employment discrimination claim in Pennsylvania can be a complicated and time-consuming process. To give yourself the best chance of success, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced employment discrimination attorney. An attorney like J. Chadwick Schnee, Esq. can help you navigate the legal system, gather evidence, and present your case in the most effective way possible.

In conclusion, if you have experienced employment discrimination in Pennsylvania, you have legal rights and options. If you need to find a discrimination lawyer near you, Contact attorney Schnee at 717.400.5955 or chadwick@schneelegal.com to learn more.