South Carolina employees have the right to a workplace free from discrimination. Actions by your employer may be discriminatory if you are treated differently than other co-workers when you belong to a legally protected class, such as age, race, religion, or sex. You may have the legal right to file a discrimination claim in South Carolina.
Contact a South Carolina employer discrimination lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm to discuss your options for legal recourse. Over a decade of experience assisting clients in navigating complex legal laws through empathetic representation makes our team the choice when you suffer discrimination in the workplace.
Our track record of success allows us to serve you while charging no fees unless we secure a settlement in your case.
Where to File a Discrimination Claim in South Carolina
An employer’s discrimination against you can significantly impact your work environment. Knowing where someone initially files an employment discrimination complaint can help you take the initial steps to resolution. Workers have two agency options for filing a discrimination claim.
Workers can complete the Employment Initial Intake Questionnaire online with the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission (SCHAC) or access a printable form. You may mail, fax, or deliver it to the SHAC office at 1026 Sumter Street, Suite 101, Columbia, SC 29201. Contact the SCHAC by phone at (803) 737-7800.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) operates a field office in South Carolina at 301 North Main Street, Suite 1402, Greenville, SC 29601. Filing a charge with the EEOC can be completed by mail, in person, or by phone at (800) 669-4000. Scheduling an intake interview and visiting the public portal are strongly recommended.
Choosing Which Agency to File a Charge of Employment Discrimination With
The two agencies above work together to process claims. They have a work-sharing agreement allowing you to file a claim with one of the agencies that can cross-file it with the other agency. It is up to you to indicate if you wish to have the charge cross-filed.
Filling out the initial intake questionnaire provided by SCHAC does not file a Charge of Discrimination. The form allows for the processing and analysis of your claim by SCHAC, who will prepare the charge for you if it falls within their jurisdiction and a basis exists. After a determination, you will receive the form to sign and return to begin the official filing.
Filing with the SCHAC allows for the assigning of a charge number. Dual filing with the EEOC will also occur, and your employer will then receive notification. The charge will be assigned to investigation, mediation, or transfer to the EEOC.
How an Employer Discrimination Lawyer in South Carolina Can Help
A South Carolina employer discrimination attorney at Shelly Leeke Law Firm can assist with filing a charge of discrimination. The laws regarding discrimination claims are complex. A personal injury lawyer with our firm will strive to ensure your charge is documented with substantial information to support your claim. Filing a charge of discrimination must occur with SCHAC before pursuing a job discrimination lawsuit.
Not all employers fall under the laws enforced by the SCHAC. The type of employer, number of employees, and the alleged discrimination will play a role in their ability to enforce state laws. Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm to determine your legal options for filing a charge of discrimination or discrimination lawsuit.
Previous testimonials demonstrate our commitment to helping clients navigate legal issues and secure the compensation they deserve. Reaching out to us before filing a charge of employment discrimination will allow us to help you determine where does someone initially file an employment discrimination complaint.
An employer discrimination lawyer in South Carolina with our firm can also discuss filing a case in federal court instead of a state court if the potential to limit non-economic and exemplary damages exists.
Deadlines for Filing a Charge of Employment Discrimination
Strict time limits apply to filing an employment discrimination complaint with the SCHAC or EEOC. Filing a claim under South Carolina state law must occur within 180 days. This deadline applies to claims cross-filed with the EEOC.
Time limits for claims under federal law extend to 300 days of the incident when a state law also prohibits the discriminatory act.
However, shorter deadlines may apply depending on the Act under which you file an employment discrimination complaint. Failing to file within the legal deadlines will likely result in your inability to proceed with a charge.
Working with an employer discrimination attorney in South Carolina allows you to strategically move more assuredly through the process.
Reaching out as soon as possible when you experience an act of employer discrimination allows us to offer guidance in collecting evidence to support your claim. Your communication with us about your experience is confidential. We offer the support you deserve without fear of retaliation.
Information to Support an Employment Discrimination Complaint in South Carolina
You will need to provide specific information regarding the act against you. Retain emails, texts, correspondence, employment actions against you, and any information offering evidence of your experience. Information will need to describe the following:
- The number of employees at your job, if you know.
- A brief description of the actions against you that you feel to be discriminatory.
- Dates the discriminatory actions took place.
- The reason you feel you experienced discrimination which might include your age, religion, sex, national origin, or disability.
A complete list of prohibited employment practices by the EEOC provides more information. Federal law prohibits discrimination in every aspect of employment. Neutral policies that disproportionately negatively affect an employee because of a protected class are also prohibited.
Discuss a South Carolina Charge of Employment Discrimination
Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers critical guidance and can help you to determine where does someone initially file an employment discrimination complaint.
Schedule a free consultation with our firm to protect your rights as an employee. A South Carolina employer discrimination lawyer will explain your legal options.
