Standing Up Against Workplace Discrimination
Protecting employees from unlawful employment discrimination under federal and state law.
At Lazaro Law Group, we understand that facing workplace discrimination can be both overwhelming and isolating. If you’ve experienced employment discrimination due to your race, gender, age, disability, or another protected status, you may have legal claims against your employer. Our team of experienced workplace discrimination lawyers in Chicago, IL is here to help guide you through the complexities of employment law. We are committed to defending your rights and holding employers accountable for their actions. Contact us today for a free consultation with a skilled workplace discrimination lawyer in Chicago, IL, and take the first step toward justice.
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What is Workplace Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination occurs when decisions regarding hiring, promotions, terminations, and work assignments are based on personal characteristics instead of skills, qualifications, experience, or job performance. If you are being treated unfairly in the workplace, your employer is not only causing harm but also violating federal laws designed to protect workers.
Federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination based on employment decisions:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- The Illinois Human Rights Act
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
Each of these laws is designed to prevent employment discrimination against the protected class of individuals on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, military status, arrest record and other protected characteristics.If you believe you have experienced employment discrimination, our team of Chicago employment discrimination lawyers at Lazaro Law Group can help you with a discrimination lawsuit.
Common Types of Workplace Discrimination
Employment discrimination or any unlawful conduct can have a lasting impact on your career and well-being. Employers violate federal law when they engage in discriminatory practices related to hiring, terminations, salary decisions, and workplace policies.
If you believe you’ve been subjected to workplace discrimination, it may be time to consult a lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Here’s a closer look at some types of workplace discrimination where you might be treated unfairly compared to others doing the same job:
Age Discrimination
The Employment Act protects employees aged 40 and older when they are treated unfairly based on age. If employers favor younger candidates for promotions, or raises, even when older employees have equal or superior qualifications, this may qualify as an employment discrimination claim.
Gender Discrimination & Gender Identity
Employers cannot treat individuals differently because of their gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. This discrimination can show up in various ways, such as unequal pay, different screening processes for job applicants, or biased job assignments and unfairly target a protected class.
Disability Discrimination
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. If you’ve been demoted, fired, or passed over for a position because of your disability, this may qualify as employment discrimination under federal law.
Racial Discrimination
Employment decisions based on race, ethnicity, or national origin are strictly prohibited. Racial discrimination during hiring, promotions, and job assignments not only harms affected employees but also contributes to a divisive workplace culture.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is recognized as a form of employment discrimination under federal law and creates a hostile work environment. Unwelcome comments, advances, or inappropriate requests can create an environment that is not only uncomfortable but qualifies for discrimination claims.
National Origin Discrimination
Every employee should be evaluated on their professional merits rather than on personal or cultural traits. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Illinois law prohibit employers from making decisions based on protected characteristics such as an employee’s accent, birthplace, or ethnicity.
Military Status Discrimination
Your service record or military status is not a reason to be overlooked or mistreated. Federal Law protects veterans and active service members from being fired, denied employment, or disadvantaged because of their military background.
If you have experienced discrimination from your employer compared to others doing the same job, based on any of these protected characteristics, remember that the Employment Law represents employees and you have legal options available.
Our Chicago and Cook County based employment discrimination lawyers can help you file a discrimination lawsuit.
Workplace Harassment & Hostile Work Environment
Workplace harassment occurs when an employee is persistently subjected to unwanted conduct that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment.
Forms of Workplace Harassment:
Sexual harassment
Racial or ethnic slurs
Disability-related insults
Gender discrimination
Harassment based on sexual orientation
When these behaviors become a regular occurrence, employers are legally obligated to address these employment discrimination claims.
How to File an Employment Discrimination Claim
If your workplace feels like a battleground of bias, you have to protect yourself against employment discrimination and assert your employment rights.
Here’s a guide on how to file a discrimination claim.
Steps to Filing a Claim
Notify your employer
First, report the unlawful conduct to your supervisor or HR department before raising the issue with a state agency.
Consult a legal expert
Seek legal assistance from an experienced employment discrimination lawyer who will help you understand your rights and help you build a compelling case to prove discrimination.
File a complaint with a federal agency
File a complaint with a federal or state agency such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). These agencies investigate claims of Chicago employment discrimination and ensure that employees from any protected class are treated fairly.
Collect and preserve evidence
Document everything. Gather direct evidence, including emails, performance reviews, and witness statements that prove discrimination. Also include circumstantial evidence that shows a disparate impact in your workplace decisions.
Consider legal action
If your employer is unresponsive or dismissive of your claims, you may need to pursue a discrimination lawsuit. An experienced lawyer can advise whether to file in a federal court or state court to hold the employer accountable.
We represent the protected class of individuals at every stage of the legal process, from filing a complaint with a federal agency to pursuing legal action in federal or state court. In addition to advocating for employees, we also offer training for employers to help them understand their legal obligations and foster a workplace free from discrimination. Our goal is to create a fair and respectful environment for all workers by ensuring employers comply with anti-discrimination laws.
Legal Recourse for Workplace Discrimination Victims
If you’ve experienced employment discrimination, you have several compensation options available under employment law and federal law.
Compensation when pursuing employment discrimination claims
Lost wages & benefits
If you lost a job or a raise, you might recover lost income and benefits because of discrimination based on a protected status.
Emotional distress
The toll of experiencing discrimination and harassment can be significant and hence, compensation is available for any emotional or psychological harm caused by discriminatory practices.
Punitive damages
Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics, and courts may award additional damages meant to punish particularly egregious behavior by the employer and to deter any future misconduct.
Legal costs
Reimbursement for attorney fees and court costs may also be part of a successful claim, easing some of the financial burden for pursuing a discrimination claim.
When individuals of the protected class choose to take legal action, our Chicago employment discrimination lawyers are here to help you fight against employment discrimination.
How Lazaro Law Firm Can Help
At Lazaro Law Group, our team of employment discrimination lawyers believes that every worker deserves a respectful and inclusive workplace. Our vision is to help individuals who have been subjected to workplace discrimination, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve. With years of experience in employment law and handling employment discrimination cases, w
Our clients include:
- Employees & job applicants
- Police officers, federal employees, and other employees
- Victims of disparate impact and hostile work environments
Our commitment is to protect workers and provide personalized legal assistance, representing workplace discrimination cases in Chicago, Cook County, and throughout Illinois.
Reach Out Today to Lazaro Law Group
If you are experiencing workplace discrimination, our attorneys will help you navigate the legal process and fight for your employment rights.
Get In touch with us today for a free consultation.
Serving Chicago, Cook County, and all of Illinois.
FAQs About Workplace Discrimination
What qualifies as workplace discrimination?
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer’s decisions are influenced by an employee’s protected status rather than job qualifications and performance.
How do I file a discrimination claim?
Our attorneys can help you file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR).
What evidence is needed to prove workplace discrimination?
Direct evidence (emails, employer statements, performance reviews) or circumstantial evidence (different treatment compared to other employees) can support a claim.
What laws protect employees from discrimination?
Civil Rights Act of 1964, ADA, and Illinois Human Rights Act protect against employment discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, and other protected characteristics.
Why Trust Lazaro Law Group?
Choosing the right legal team is essential when faced with workplace discrimination.
What sets us apart?
- Experienced employment discrimination lawyers
- Personalized legal representation
- Proven track record of success
- Local Insights in Chicago, IL
Take the First Step
Call us at (312) 461-9900 for a free consultation today.
Visit our office in Chicago if you prefer to speak in person about an employment discrimination claim.
Should you need to file an employment discrimination claim, our team is always here to offer the guidance and support you need.
