You have the right to be treated fairly at work regardless of your sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. When an employer treats you differently or unfairly based on your sex or gender, you may have a claim for sex discrimination.
We have been fighting against sex discrimination in the workplace for decades. Our top-rated Harrisburg discrimination lawyers at Marzzacco Niven & Associates have over 120 years of legal experience. We’ve recovered millions for wronged employees.
Contact us in Harrisburg, PA, today to schedule a free case evaluation to discuss the details of your case.
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How Our Harrisburg Employment Discrimination Lawyers Can Help You With Your Claim
Sex discrimination is prohibited under federal and state laws. However, proving you were the victim of sex discrimination at work can be challenging. Even though the law is on your side, you have the burden of proving your employer discriminated against you based on your gender or sex.
Being the victim of employment discrimination can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. You may be frightened and worried about your career if you stand up to your employer. Marzzacco Niven & Associates can help.
When you hire our legal team in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, you can expect us to:
- Discuss the details of the sex discrimination in confidence
- Explain your rights based on all applicable employment and anti-discrimination laws
- Investigate the sex discrimination actions by your employer
- Gather evidence of the employer’s wrongdoing
- File claims and represent you as we negotiate a settlement with your employer
- Advocate for your rights and protect you from employer retaliation
- File a lawsuit, if necessary, to pursue the claim through the court
If you believe you are a victim of sex or gender discrimination at work, call us now for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Harrisburg, PA.
Common Forms of Sex Discrimination at Work
Sex and gender discrimination can take many forms. Sex discrimination in the workplace includes adverse actions based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, or sexual identity.
Common examples of workplace sex discrimination include:
- Making negative or disparaging comments about a person’s gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity
- Failing to hire, train, or promote someone based on their gender
- Being held to higher or different standards based on sex
- Targeting specific individuals for layoffs based on gender
- Being paid less for the same job as someone of a different gender
- Denial of pregnancy leave or reasonable accommodations during pregnancy
- Sexual harassment, such as verbal comments about a person’s sex, unwelcome sexual advances, and demands for sexual favors
- LGBTQ discrimination
Sexual discrimination may involve your employer, supervisor, or co-workers. This form of discrimination is always a violation of your civil rights.
Laws That Protect Against Sex Discrimination at Work
Several federal and state laws protect employees from sex and gender discrimination.
Employees are protected against discrimination under Title VII Of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Protected classes include discrimination based on color, race, national original, religion, or sex. The term “sex” includes sexual orientation, pregnancy, and gender identity. The law applies to all employers with at least 15 employees.
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act is a state law that protects employees from discrimination based on several protected classes — sex and sexual orientation included.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 is a federal law that applies to employers with at least 15 employees. Employers are prohibited from discriminating against an employee based on pregnancy. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act also protects against pregnancy discrimination and retaliation.
How Do I Prove Liability for Sex Discrimination by My Employer?
Our Harrisburg sex discrimination attorneys can help you build a case against your employer for workplace discrimination.
Generally, to win a sex discrimination claim, you must prove:
- You are a member of a protected class
- The employer knew that you were a member of a class protected by anti-discrimination laws
- You sustained or suffered an adverse employment action
- You are qualified for your position and performed your duties accordingly
- Employees who are not in the protected class did not experience the same type of adverse employment action
Proving a causal connection between your employer’s actions and your protected status could be difficult. For example, an employer may justify the actions based on your performance or other factors.
Each case of sexual discrimination is based on the specific facts of the case. Our lawyers will help you fight back against unfair employment practices based on sex.
What Damages Can I Receive for a Sex Discrimination Claim?
The damages you could receive for a sex discrimination claim depend on the circumstances and facts of your case. However, you could receive reimbursement for monetary losses, such as back pay and benefits. In some cases, you could be reinstated to your previous job.
Some cases could result in compensation for emotional distress and mental anguish. Talk to one of our lawyers to find out more about the compensation you could be entitled to receive for a sexual discrimination claim against your employer.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim for Sex Discrimination at Work?
The deadlines for filing sex discrimination claims are usually based on the law that applies in your case.
For example, discrimination claims filed with the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory action (300 days when a state or local law also applies). Sex discrimination claims filed under Pennsylvania law also have a 180-day deadline.
However, there could be exceptions to the deadlines. Therefore, it is best to talk to a Harrisburg employment discrimination lawyer as soon as possible.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Harrisburg Sex Discrimination Lawyers
You deserve to be heard. Our lawyers at Marzzacco Niven & Associates stand up for the rights of victims of workplace sex discrimination. Call us to discuss your case during a free consultation with a Harrisburg employment discrimination lawyer.