How to Sue an Employer for Discrimination
If you are an employee and believe you are the victim of discrimination, you can sue your employer. However, before you do so, you need to have a strong case because you can't sue on the grounds that you “think” your employer doesn't like people of your race, religion, or gender. A judge will only hear cases that have proof of wrongdoing.
- Get familiar with the company's
policy on discrimination. Every company will have some documentation
on discrimination, which could be contained in the employee
handbook. Some company's make it a point to spell out discrimination
clearly so that everyone is on the same page, while other companies
do not. In either case, you can go to the U.S.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or EEOC and get
information on the subject. This site will tell you what
discrimination is and is a wonderful resource to have on hand. - Gather your proof such as
eyewitnesses, pictures, emails, memos, and anything else that can
help prove you are being singled out based on discrimination. Never
inform your employer that you are planning to sue because this will
put them on guard and they will make sure any evidence disappears.
Therefore, always plan your suit without the employer's knowledge. - Hire an attorney. You need
professional counsel that is experienced at handling and winning
cases of workplace discrimination. Never attempt to handle the case
without representation because your employer's attorneys will easily
win the case. Moreover, some of these cases can be dragged out in
court for a very long time and it can create tensions if you are
still working for the employer you are suing.