Employment discrimination can take various forms, including discrimination based on age, disability, race, sex, and gender. While numerous state and federal laws prohibit employment discrimination, discrimination at work still occurs at alarming rates.

While it is not easy to report employment discrimination or harassment, nothing will change if you do not take action. And fortunately, the law is on your side. Here, we outline the steps to take if you think you are being discriminated against at work.

Speak to an Experienced Employment Discrimination Attorney

If you think you are being discriminated against at work, the first thing to do is contact an experienced employment discrimination attorney. Lalak LLC exclusively represents workers in employment discrimination cases against their employers. We are dedicated to helping people who have experienced discrimination in the workplace. We know what to look for and can confirm that what you are experiencing is, in fact, employment discrimination. We will provide advice and develop an effective strategy to help you to address it.

Complicated state and federal statutes that apply to workplace discrimination claims. In addition, there are notice and filing requirements, evidence to gather, and the possibility of retaliation by your employer.

Lalak LLC will help you understand your rights and navigate this complex area of the law.

Keep Records of the Discriminatory Conduct

Keep records of any incidents of discrimination or harassment. Include the date, time, location, people involved, witnesses, and details of the discriminatory conduct. If the discriminatory conduct involved photographs or objects that were left for you, take a picture of the offensive material. The location of the offensive material may be important if it is visible to other employees. If the discriminatory conduct involved email, keep a record of all offensive communications.

Notify Your Employer

You need to make your employer aware that you believe you are being discriminated against. Unfortunately, many acts of discrimination go unrecognized because the victim does not take steps to make clear that the conduct is unwelcome and unacceptable.

In some cases, workplace discrimination can be resolved internally. Other times, employers refuse to admit that discrimination is occurring. Regardless, notifying your employer of the discriminatory conduct is an important legal step, as you must establish that your employer knew of the discrimination and failed to address it.

Lalak LLC can help you prepare the paperwork necessary to notify your employer while protecting your rights and your job.

Document Your Complaint

To protect yourself and show your employer that you take the matter seriously, you must document that you have notified your employer. Ensure that a written report is made every time you complain of workplace discrimination. You should also request that an investigation be made and that disciplinary or corrective action be taken. Under state and federal law, your employer is required to give prompt attention to complaints of workplace discrimination.

Contact the EEOC

If your employer does not respond to your complaints, Lalak LLC can help you notify the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which is responsible for overseeing compliance with state and federal anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws.

Before you can file an employment discrimination lawsuit, you must first file a complaint with the EEOC. The time limits for filing an administrative complaint are relatively short, so you must act quickly.

Once an EEOC complaint has been filed, the agency will investigate. If they find your claims are justified, they will issue a right-to-sue letter allowing you to take formal legal action against your employer.

Be Mindful of Retaliation

Many discrimination cases involve retaliation against employees who made a complaint. If you experience retaliation, make note of the details in your records.

Lalak LLC: Fighting for Workers’ Rights

People who have been victims of employment discrimination are often entitled to significant financial compensation. If you believe you have been discriminated against at work, it is important that you discuss your options with an experienced employment discrimination attorney.

Ohio employment discrimination attorney Chris Lalak has extensive experience and a demonstrated record of success in this complex area of the law. He regularly represents people in cases before the EEOC and in state and federal courts in Cleveland and throughout Ohio. He knows how to find the evidence needed to prove your case and how to win in court.

If you have suffered from discrimination at work, contact Lalak LLC today to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and how we can help.