Tips On Filing A Discrimination Suit
Filing a discrimination lawsuit is something that nobody wants to do.
However, there is a reason that they exist, and more suits of this nature than you think are filed every year.
Here are a few tips for filing a discrimination suit if you ever find yourself in the position of needing to do so.
Know If You Qualify
You can file a discrimination suit if you have been discriminated against based on:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex (this includes pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation)
- National origin
- Age (40 or older)
- Disability
- Genetic Information
- Retaliation
If your situation fits any of the categories listed above, you may file a discrimination suit. You will need to act quickly because you have a limited time window and there are multiple steps involved in the process.
Charge Before Suit
Before you file that discrimination suit against your employer, you will need to file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC, or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
When you file a charge of discrimination, you are filing a signed statement saying that your employer has committed discrimination and that the EEOC is requested to take action. Now, keep in mind that your employer will need to be notified of the charge, as current law states.
However, you can have a friend file on your behalf if you prefer to be kept anonymous. You also have a limited time to file the charge, about 180 days, or six months, from the day that the discrimination occurred.
Get A Good Lawyer
Depending on your employer, you might be in for a very long legal battle if you do not choose decent legal counsel. To avoid higher fees and to save time, make sure you get a lawyer that is well-versed in filing discrimination suits.
They will know the process and will be able to guide you through, leaving you with peace of mind instead of being surrounded by mountains of paperwork and more questions than answers.
Once law firms like Blair & Ramirez Law get you on the right track, and you have received an official Notice of Right to Sue from the EEOC, it is time to take the suit to court.
Hurry Up And Wait
After waiting and doing all of the paperwork, you are finally filing your suit. However, do not expect it to be resolved quickly.
There is no set time that discrimination cases will take to be resolved. The time can vary from months to years. If your employer is interested in settling, you will not have to wait long. However, if they are determined to drag it out, you could be looking at six years on the long side.
Discrimination suits are designed to protect you from being treated unfairly, but it is a lengthy and detailed process to get there. Keep these tips about the filing process in mind if you ever have to file a discrimination suit against your employer. This way, you will be able to approach this daunting task with more confidence.
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