Although many assume that since South Carolina is an “at-will” employment state, they can be fired at any time and for any reason. However, there are certain instances in which you may be protected, and your employer may be in violation of local, state, or federal employment laws.
When this happens, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. An experienced Walterboro employer discrimination attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm is here to help you hold your employer accountable. Call for a free consultation today and learn more about how employment discrimination claims work and the restitution you may be awarded.
Compensation and Justice for Victims of Employer Discrimination in Walterboro
Your Shelly Leeke employer discrimination lawyer in Walterboro, SC is here to help you get justice and recover the compensation and benefits you are entitled to when your employer is in violation of state or federal employment laws. It is more common than you might think for companies and individuals to discriminate against their employees.
When this happens, you do not need to sit back and take it for the sake of your job. You can stand up and fight for justice. You may fear risks, including the potential for retaliation or wrongful termination by your employer. However, filing a claim may be in your best interest and is often the better option for those struggling to figure out what the next steps should be.
When you pursue legal action against your employer for discrimination, you can potentially recover your losses in full. Your employer discrimination attorney in Walterboro will go over all the ways your life has been affected by the discrimination you experienced. Every loss should be taken into account accordingly.
Damages You Can Claim
Some examples of the different damages that may be awarded in an employment discrimination case include:
- Double back pay
- Job reinstatement
- Compensation for your emotional distress
- Costs of mental health counseling
- Other discrimination-related medical expenses
- Damage to your professional reputation
These are just a few of the types of damages that could be paid out if you pursue your employment discrimination complaint. With help from your attorney, you can provide the evidence needed to show your employer’s violations so you can get justice, put a stop to their discriminatory actions, and get back to your life.
Defining Employer Discrimination
Employer discrimination can take many forms. Essentially, any time your employer is accused of treating you unfairly or violating employment laws, they can be held accountable for employment discrimination. Some of the most common examples your Walterboro employer discrimination lawyer may be prepared to assist with include:
- Age discrimination: where your employer is passing you over for job opportunities due to your age or you are being pressured into retiring early or resigning.
- National origin discrimination: where you are being treated unfairly, discriminated against, harassed, or required to meet unfair criteria because you are from a different part of the world.
- Disability discrimination: where you may be suffering from harassment, unfair assumptions, or refusal to provide you with the accommodations you need to complete your job responsibilities.
- Religious discrimination: where your employer may refuse to allow you reasonable accommodation so you can observe your religious beliefs, or your employer terminates you because of your religious status.
- Racial discrimination: where you are being harassed, intimidated, or passed over for job opportunities because of your skin color.
- Gender discrimination: where you are passed over for job opportunities, expected to engage in quid pro quo, or are paid significantly less than your opposite gender counterparts.
- Pregnancy discrimination: where you may be terminated or not provided with necessary accommodations due to your pregnancy.
- Sexual orientation discrimination: where you may not feel safe, were wrongfully terminated, or denied job promotions due to your sexual preferences.
These are only a few examples of how employment discrimination can occur in the workplace. If you believe you have been a victim of any of the previously mentioned types of employer discrimination, or you are unsure whether your employer has violated state or federal employment laws, do not hesitate to contact an employment discrimination lawyer for help and legal support.
Legal Options After Employer Discrimination
When you have been a victim of employer discrimination, there are multiple ways in which you may be able to take action. Generally, by filing a complaint with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), filing a complaint with the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission (SCHAC), or filing a civil lawsuit against your employer or other third parties, you can recover the benefits and compensation you are entitled to and demand justice.
EEOC/SCHAC
The EEOC and SCHAC are responsible for overseeing employment law violations at the state and federal levels. When you file a complaint with these government organizations, they may begin to open up an investigation into the allegations you are making against your employer.
The SCHAC and EEOC have the authority to impose additional sanctions on your employer, including fines, forcing them to implement other protocols and procedures, and even requiring them to participate in discrimination training courses, where applicable.
Civil Action for Employer Discrimination
By filing a civil lawsuit against your employer, you have the opportunity to recover your damages in full. Claims for employment law violations should always be taken seriously. Civil court is where you will have your greatest opportunity to fight for the compensation you deserve.
At trial, you can recover all damages caused by your employer’s discriminatory actions. However, do not be surprised if your employer attempts to settle your complaint outside of court. Your employer discrimination attorney should review any potential settlement offers in advance so you can protect yourself from being taken advantage of and ensure you are compensated fairly for your suffering.
Get Help from an Employer Discrimination Attorney in Walterboro Today
You do not need to accept your employer’s violations of state or federal laws. If you believe you are a victim of employer discrimination and you do not know where to turn for help, reach out to a leading Walterboro employer discrimination attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm for help.
You can reach us via our online contact form or by phone to start working on your employment discrimination case as soon as today.
