Seattle Discrimination Attorneys Assist Workers Harmed by Bias
Skillful Washington lawyers represent victims of unfair treatment
If you have been the victim of workplace bias, the Seattle discrimination attorneys at Mann & Kytle, PLLC offer comprehensive legal support. Discrimination can be subtle. A question during a job interview or a promotion that goes to someone else could be evidence of illegal behavior. Regardless of the specific nature of the discrimination, it could have serious negative consequences for you and your loved ones. You can count on us for effective legal representation as we take on the parties responsible for the unfair treatment you received.
What are common types of employee discrimination?
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal statute among other laws that prohibits workplace discrimination against an employee based on one of the following personal characteristics:
- Race, ethnicity or national origin
- Religion
- Sex (Title VII and Title IX)
- Age (ADEA)
- Disability (ADA and ADAA)
- Pregnancy
- Sexual orientation
- Military status (USSERA)
- Accommodations (ADA and ADAA)
A recent Supreme Court decision has held that this protection also extends to sexual orientation and gender identity. Regardless of any reinterpretation of federal law or superseding decisions, the Washington Law Against Discrimination bars workplace bias related to sexual orientation, gender expression or perceived gender identity.
How can an employee prove discrimination by an employer?
You can initiate a claim with the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) for period of six months after the discrimination occurred. Before you file a federal lawsuit based on federal Title VII law, you must first submit your claim to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If you also file with WSHRC, you have 300 days to file with SSOC.
These allegations are harmful to an employer’s reputation and could cost them a substantial amount of money, so you should expect that there will be pushback, including one or more non-discriminatory reasons proffered to justify the adverse action. Our employment lawyers are familiar with the tactics businesses use to defend against worthy discrimination claims and will counter their arguments. If you work for the government, we devote a substantial portion of our practice to defending public employee rights and can advise on federal sector matters that go before the EEOC, as well as claims made by state, county and municipal workers.
Can an employer retaliate against a discrimination claimant?
Many discrimination victims choose not to register a complaint because they fear being fired for speaking up. Retaliation of this type is illegal, yet still persists. Often, employers will try to cover up the true reason for the dismissal in order to avoid further legal trouble. We review the stated reasons for an employee’s firing and then carefully investigate evidence that the termination was actually linked to the discrimination complaint or other publicly protected complaints.
What damages can a victim collect in a discrimination claim?
Whether it’s the EEOC or WSHRC, the administrative agency that receives your claim might direct you to engage in mediation or settlement talks with your employer. We can advocate for you during these discussions and request that compensation be provided for lost income, funds spent trying to find new work, health problems linked to the discriminatory behavior and other related costs. If no resolution can be reached and the reviewing agency believes that your claim has merit, they may issue a Notice of Right to Sue and our firm can help you pursue those damages in court. But, be aware, some rights may expire while an administrative agency is still considering your case.
Did you face discrimination while working or studying at a school?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 require schools to provide equal employment opportunities to men and women. Should you believe that didn’t get a job at an educational institution, or that you were mistreated while working or studying at a school, due to your sex, we’ll outline what type of action you might be able to take under Title IX and other pertinent laws.
Contact a Washington lawyer regarding your potential discrimination case
Mann & Kytle, PLLC in Downtown Seattle represents Washington employees who have suffered discrimination at their workplace. Please call 206-457-2057 or contact us online to learn about your legal options.