]There is no excuse for an employer to discriminate against a worker regardless of employment type. Yet, employer discrimination happens every day in Columbia. If you are the victim of employment discrimination or need help understanding if you are a victim, now is the time to get educated and fight back.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we can handle your Columbia employer discrimination case. We make it simple to connect with a Columbia employer discrimination lawyer. At this point, our lawyer can help you file a lawsuit for employment discrimination.
How Employer Discrimination Is Treated in Columbia
Employer discrimination is a federal crime enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). A worker may be dealing with employer discrimination in any of the following situations:
- Unfair treatment due to age, gender, or other factors
- Workplace harassment due to age, gender, or other factors
- Denial of a request for a reasonable workplace change to accommodate an employee’s disability or religious beliefs
- Improper questions being asked relating to an employee’s genetic or medical information
- Retaliation after a worker reports employer discrimination
A worker should not be forced to deal with employer discrimination under any circumstances. If you believe your employer is discriminating against you, consult with an attorney. Once you connect with a Columbia employer discrimination lawyer, you can get the help you need to address your workplace issue and prevent it from recurring.
When to File an Employer Discrimination Lawsuit in Columbia
Discrimination in the workplace must be addressed immediately. The problem is unlikely to go away on its own. In addition, legal help is available to ensure you can put an end to discrimination at work moving forward.
An employer discrimination attorney in Columbia can help you file a lawsuit. Initially, the lawyer will meet with you to learn about your employment discrimination claim. If you decide to move forward with a lawsuit, your attorney can help you navigate the legal process.
After you file a lawsuit, it may take months or years to resolve it. Your employer discrimination lawyer in Columbia will keep you in the loop with any updates regarding your case. If you are presented with a settlement offer, your attorney will share it with you.
What to Expect with a Settlement Offer in a Columbia Employer Discrimination Case
You are under no obligation to accept a settlement proposal in an employment discrimination case. Your employer may present one at any point during your litigation. If this happens, your attorney will give you the offer to review.
It is your responsibility to examine a settlement proposal and decide on it. Your lawyer can offer insights into the proposal and what may happen if you accept or reject it. Ultimately, you must make the final decision regarding the offer.
If a settlement offer falls short of your expectations, you should not hesitate to reject it. Your lawyer will notify your employer that you have declined their offer. Meanwhile, you and your attorney can continue to work together to strengthen your case.
Why Evidence Is Important in a Columbia Employer Discrimination Case
Saying that your employer discriminated against you is insufficient in the eyes of a judge or jury. Instead, you need evidence that shows you were the victim of employment discrimination. You can produce direct and circumstantial evidence to support your claim.
Direct evidence can include any documents or other information that shows your employer was discriminating against you. For example, you can share an email from a supervisor in which this individual acted discriminatorily. You can also provide written company policies and other direct evidence that shows you were the victim of discrimination.
Circumstantial evidence is commonly referred to as “indirect evidence.” It consists of facts that indicate you may have been discriminated against at work. For instance, a coworker can testify as a witness on your behalf. Your coworker can provide information that serves as circumstantial evidence that your employer discriminated against you.
How to Get Started with a Columbia Employer Discrimination Case
It is in your best interest to file an employment discrimination lawsuit right away. This allows you to begin the legal process and seek damages before it is too late. Here is what you need to do to file your lawsuit so you can pursue your case.
Reach Out to the EEOC
You can file a formal complaint against your employer with the EEOC. Next, the EEOC will notify your employer about your complaint. Your employer may then request mediation or try to settle your claim.
Submit the Paperwork for Your Lawsuit
If you cannot reach a settlement with your employer, it may be time to take legal action. You have up to 60 days from the time you file an EEOC complaint to pursue damages as part of an employment discrimination lawsuit. If you do not file your lawsuit within this time frame, you miss out on your opportunity to seek damages.
Engage with Your Attorney
Work with your attorney to figure out how much to pursue in damages. You can request economic and non-economic damages as part of an employment discrimination lawsuit. With help from your attorney, you can seek the most damages possible.
Go to Trial
You and your attorney can gather and review the evidence and prepare for your employment discrimination trial. If you have concerns or questions before your trial, your lawyer can respond to them. Your lawyer will do everything possible to help you present a compelling argument during your trial.
When it comes to an employment discrimination case, get legal help. A top-notch employer discrimination attorney has many years of experience. This lawyer can alleviate your legal worries and help you achieve the best possible case results.
Contact an Employer Discrimination Attorney in Columbia
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we want to provide Columbia employer discrimination victims with plenty of legal help. If you need an employment discrimination attorney who is committed to helping you in any way we can, we are here for you. Get in touch with us today to learn more or request a consultation.
