Employment discrimination is against the law in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. If you are the victim of employer discrimination in Wyomissing, our employment lawyers at Marzzacco Niven & Associates want to help.
Our Wyomissing employment discrimination attorneys fight for the rights of workers. We are dedicated to helping individuals stand up against employment discrimination. Our attorneys have over 120 years of collective legal experience.
We offer free consultations so you can learn about your legal rights and options. Call our law offices in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, at (717) 388-2325 to schedule yours today.
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How Marzzacco Niven & Associates Can Help You if You Are Experiencing Employment Discrimination
We understand that you have been through a traumatic experience. Therefore, our Pennsylvania employment lawyers provide support and guidance as you fight for fair treatment by your employer. At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, our main concern is your best interests.
Our attorneys are recognized by local and national organizations for our legal services. We were named one of the “Best Law Firms” by US News & World Report. Marzzacco Niven & Associates has also been recognized by SuperLawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates, and the Best Lawyers in America.
Our award-winning, top-rated attorneys at Marzzacco Niven & Associates give your case the time and attention you deserve. When you hire us to handle your case, our lawyers:
- Listen to what happened to you and evaluate your legal options under federal and state employment laws
- Discuss your options with you and explain why we recommend a specific legal strategy for your case
- Investigate your employment discrimination claim and gather evidence for your case
- Complete all paperwork for your claim and file documents with the appropriate federal and state agencies
- Aggressively advocate to protect you from employer retaliation and additional discrimination
- File an employment discrimination lawsuit and take the case to court, if necessary
Our Wyomissing employment law attorneys work to hold your employer responsible for your damages. You deserve compensation for the losses and harm caused by employment discrimination.
Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with an employment discrimination lawyer in Wyomissing, PA.
Federal and State Employment Discrimination Laws That Protect Your Legal Rights
You have the right to work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment. Numerous anti-discrimination laws protect employees from discrimination at work. Those laws give you several legal options for seeking relief after experiencing employment discrimination.
Unfortunately, employment discrimination can occur during the hiring process and while you are employed. Examples of employment discrimination include:
- Refusing to hire someone
- Paying different compensation and benefits
- Segregating and classifying employees
- Applying different disciplinary actions for the same conduct
- Sexual harassment
- Limiting training, promotions, and opportunities
- Using biased hiring and recruitment practices
- Denying job opportunities because of a person’s marital or relationship status
- Intentional harassment
- Mandating a dress code
- Demoting or terminating employment
The type of discrimination you experience dictates whether your case falls under Pennsylvania or federal employment discrimination laws. Both federal and state laws could apply in your case, depending on the facts and circumstances. Common employment laws that might apply in your case include the following:
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects job applicants and workers from employment discrimination.
Title VII applies when an employer has 15 or more employees. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces this federal anti-discrimination law.
Employers are prohibited from discriminating based on a person’s:
- Color
- Race
- Religion
- Sex
- National origin
The Civil Right Act applies to intentional employment discrimination. It also applies when an employer’s practices appear impartial, but have the same result as intentional discrimination.
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA)
This state employment discrimination law protects a larger group of workers than the Civil Rights Act. The PHRA applies to Pennsylvania employers who have four or more employees. It also includes additional protected classes.
The PHRA prohibits employers from discriminating against a person based on the person’s:
- Age
- Color
- National origin
- Sex
- Religion
- Use of a support animal because of blindness, physical impairment, or deafness
- Disability or handicap
- Ancestry
- Race
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforces the law. Because some protected classes cross over between state and federal law, you might have a choice whether to file under state or federal law.
The Age Discrimination Act of 1967 (ADEA)
Federal age discrimination laws apply when the worker is 40 years or older. The ADEA prohibits employers from discriminating based on the person’s age. However, the law only applies if the employer has 20 or more employees.
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Employees should not fear discrimination based on a disability. The ADA includes numerous conditions and disabilities that are protected. Employers with 15 or more employees are subject to the law.
The ADA also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. The accommodations cannot create an undue hardship for the employer.
Marzzacco Niven & Associates Handles All Types of Employment Discrimination Cases in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania
Our Wyomissing employment discrimination attorneys handle all types of workplace discrimination cases. We file employment discrimination claims under federal and state laws for cases involving discrimination based on the following:
- Gender expression and identity
- Disabilities
- Equal pay
- Medical history
- Race
- Age
- Unfair employment practices
- Pregnancy discrimination
- Veteran status
- Military service
- Sex
- Whistleblower status
- Religious beliefs
- Sexual orientation and gender
- Wage and hour violations
- National origin
Our Wyomissing employment lawyers have experience with cases involving disparate impact. These cases involve unintentional discrimination. However, the employment policies disproportionately impact members of a protected class nevertheless.
We also handle cases involving disparate treatment. This type of discrimination involves intentionally targeting a person or persons for different treatment based on a protected class.
Damages vary depending on the laws that apply in your case. Our Wyomissing workplace discrimination lawyers analyze your case to determine which legal option gives you the best chance of winning. We also compare the options to determine which strategy maximizes your recovery amount.
What Damages Are Available for a Wyomissing Employment Discrimination Claim?
You can receive damages for employment discrimination. The types of damages available depend on the facts of your case and the type of claim filed. It also depends on the damages you sustain because of your employer’s discrimination.
Examples of the types of damages you can receive for an employment discrimination claim include the following:
- Reinstatement of employment
- Back pay and benefits
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including the expenses of searching for another job
- Attorneys’ fees, court costs, and expert witness fees
- Retroactive seniority
- Compensation for non-economic damages, including emotional distress, depression, and anxiety
Sometimes, a person might receive punitive damages for employment discrimination. Our Wyomissing employment discrimination lawyers document your damages and pursue all types of damages to maximize the amount of money you receive for a workplace discrimination claim.
What Are the Deadlines for Filing Employment Discrimination Claims in Wyomissing, PA?
The statute of limitations for filing employment discrimination claims depends on whether you file under federal or state laws. Generally, you have 180 days to file a Pennsylvania employment discrimination claim. You also have 180 days to file a claim with the EEOC, but that deadline could be extended to 300 days if a Pennsylvania law also applies to your case.
Are You Ready To File an Employment Discrimination Claim in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania?
Before you file a claim for employment discrimination with a state or federal agency, talk with our Wyomissing employment law attorneys. It is essential to ensure you file the correct claim for your situation. Also, you must ensure you follow the correct procedures for filing your claim to avoid unnecessary delays, problems, and denials.
Our legal team at Marzzacco Niven & Associates will do all the work for you for an employer discrimination case. You do not need to worry about researching the law, monitoring deadlines, completing paperwork, or filing claims. We also gather evidence to prove your case.
Generally, you must prove the following elements to win an employment discrimination case based on disparate treatment:
- You are a member of a protected class;
- Your employer knew your status as a member of a protected class;
- You incurred harm or loss because of the discrimination; and,
- Other employees who are not in the protected class but are in similar positions did not experience the same harm.
The elements you must prove are slightly different if your case is based on disparate impact discrimination. For that type of case, you must prove the following:
- The employment practices used by your employer caused people in a protected class to be treated worse than a member of another class;
- There was not a legitimate business reason for the employer to use the employment practices; and,
- Your employer could have used a non-discriminatory practice to achieve the same business goal.
Your employer may use one or more defenses to allege they are not guilty of employment discrimination. For example, your employer might try to say that your conduct or performance resulted in the employer’s actions.
Our Wyomissing employment discrimination attorneys understand how employers try to avoid liability for discrimination claims. Therefore, we strongly advocate for you and diligently defend you against allegations of wrongdoing by your employer.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Wyomissing Employment Discrimination Lawyers
Employment discrimination claims can be complicated. Our Wyomissing employment discrimination attorneys can handle every aspect of your case. We provide guidance, support, and sound legal advice to help you achieve your desired outcome.
Contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Wyomissing employment lawyers.