Any person employed in the state of New York is protected under both state and federal anti-discrimination laws. Your employer and colleagues are prohibited from harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, and other employment law violations. If you believe you were retaliated against, harassed, passed over for job opportunities, or otherwise discriminated against due to certain characteristics, such as religion, disability, or race, you may have grounds for legal action.
Our highly experienced discrimination at work attorneys from the Samuel Law Firm have over 30 years of combined trial experience and are driven to protect employees’ rights. Let us help you get through this difficult time and hold your employer accountable for their discriminatory practices. Contact our office to schedule your free consultation today. When you do, you can learn more about the state’s workplace discrimination laws, whether you are part of a protected class, and what to expect from your discrimination lawsuit.
What is a Protected Class?
New York is an at-will employment state, but that does not mean an employer can treat you however they want to or terminate you, especially if you are a member of a protected class. One of the most common types of cases workplace discrimination law firms handle are those surrounding retaliation, harassment, and discrimination of protected classes. If someone is a part of a protected class it is illegal to discriminate against them. Some examples of protected classes include:
- Age if you are 40+ years old
- Citizenship status
- Disability, including emotional and physical disabilities
- Gender identity
- Genetic information
- Medical conditions
- National origin
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Race
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
Additionally, it should be noted that the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) also prohibits discrimination based on individuals:
- Status as a victim of domestic violence
- Criminal history, including arrests, accusations, and convictions
- Military service or status
- Marital status
- Family status, whether that be pregnancy, single parenthood, or adoption
- Use of a service animal
- Political activity or affiliation
- Lawful use of products or engagement in recreational activities outside of work
- Observance of the sabbath or other religious customs
Other Protected Categories in New York City
You may also need a discrimination at work attorney from the Samuel Law Firm if you are discriminated against in other ways as well. For instance, in New York City, employers are prohibited from discriminating against individuals based on their status as a caregiver, credit history, employment status, and decisions they made regarding their reproductive or sexual health.
Which Employers Must Comply With Workplace Discrimination Laws
If you are unsure whether your employer is required to comply with state or federal workplace discrimination laws, it may be in your best interest to turn to a labor discrimination lawyer for more information. Generally, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), if a company has 15 or more employees, federal anti-discrimination laws apply.
However, there are several exceptions. Equal pay for men and women may apply to all employers, but discrimination protections for citizenship status only apply to employers with four or more employees. Furthermore, age discrimination protections may only be applicable if a company has 20 or more employees.
These Government Agencies Regulate Discrimination at Work in New York
If you believe you have grounds for a discrimination complaint, our attorneys for work discrimination from the Samuel law firm are here for you. We can help you report your concerns to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the New York State Division of Human Rights through the Department of Labor (DOL).
Additionally, depending on the circumstances of your case, you may have the option of pursuing a civil claim against your employer and other parties who may have discriminated against you or facilitated the discrimination against you. By pursuing legal action on top of your formal discrimination complaint, you may be able to access the financial compensation you need to pick up the pieces of your career and get back to your life sooner.
Connect With Our Discrimination at Work Attorneys for Help Today
Employers should have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination at work. Unfortunately, far too many supervisors, managers, and even upper-level executives do not believe these state and federal laws apply to them. If we can prove you have been harassed or discriminated against, you may have the right to pursue a civil claim seeking compensation for damages and suffering.
Do not let this opportunity to make the at-fault party pay pass you by. Consult our reputable workplace discrimination lawyers from the Samuel Law Firm as soon as today. Fill out our convenient contact form or call our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
