Maryland Discrimination Lawyers
Have You Suffered Discrimination in Washington D.C. or Silver Spring?
Discrimination has long been prohibited by law in the workplace. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is perhaps the best known of the laws regulating this conduct. Title VII prohibits discrimination in a broad range of employment activities, including hiring and firing, compensation, promotions, training, benefits, and many other aspects. Sadly, incidences of this type of discrimination still occur on a daily basis.
Title VII is not the only discrimination law that apples to the workplace. There are numerous federal, state, and local laws that may apply to you and your employer. Our Maryland discrimination lawyers at Melehy & Associates LLC have represented many individuals who have suffered in the workplace. For an average worker, it can be difficult to determine which law may apply when you experience some form of discrimination in the workplace.
We can help you with the legal process and provide experienced advice on how to proceed with your case. Call (301) 205-5276 to schedule your initial case evaluation.
Discrimination Cases Have Short Filing Deadlines
If you have experienced discrimination, it is important to take action. Many of these laws, like Title VII require that you file your case within 180 days (six months) of the incident. We understand how intimidating it can be to charge your employer with discrimination, and we can explain your various options and provide advice on potential ways to handle your matter.
In addition to Title VII, there are additional protections provided by other federal laws, including:
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA)
- The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
- The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA)
- The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
As well as other laws, including state and local laws in Maryland, may provide additional coverage for other types of discrimination. Title VII prohibits discrimination based on:
- Race
- Color
- Sex
- Religion
- National origin
Additional Protection in Maryland and Washington D.C.
Maryland prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, familial status, color, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic testing, and physical and/or mental incapacity. The Washington, D.C. Human Rights Act adds gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, and matriculation, or political affiliation.
This can be confusing, because coverage may depend on several factors:
- The size of your employer
- Where your employer is located
- Whether they are a private employer or the federal, state, or local government.
Our lawyers can help you navigate this maze of laws and protect your rights.
But don’t delay. Each of these laws may have different filing deadlines, and if you wait too long and a deadline passes, you will not be able to file a case, no matter how valid your claim or how egregious the conduct.
Common Mistakes Workers Make When Faced With Discrimination
When faced with discrimination in the workplace, it's easy for workers to make mistakes that can jeopardize their chances of achieving a favorable outcome. One common error is waiting too long to report the discrimination, which can lead to missing critical deadlines for filing a claim. Another mistake is failing to document the discriminatory behavior, which is essential for building a strong case. Many individuals also try to resolve these issues internally without seeking legal advice, which can lead to inadequate resolution or retaliation.
How a Maryland Discrimination Attorney Can Help
A Maryland discrimination attorney can be instrumental in helping you avoid these pitfalls. From the moment you suspect discrimination, an attorney can guide you on how to properly document incidents and gather essential evidence. They can also advise you on the critical deadlines and legal processes to ensure your claim is filed in a timely manner. Importantly, with their expertise, a lawyer can assess your situation to determine the most effective course of action, whether that involves negotiations, mediation, or proceeding to court. By working with a knowledgeable attorney, you not only safeguard your rights but also significantly enhance your chances of securing justice and appropriate compensation for the discrimination you have faced.
Contact Our Firm
We can provide experienced help for your discrimination law issues. Because of the short deadlines with many of these cases, contact us as soon as possible.
Cases We Can Help With:
Call our discrimination lawyers in Maryland at (301) 205-5276 today.