Princeton Discrimination Attorneys

Fighting For Those Who Are Experiencing Discrimination in New Jersey

Discrimination in the workplace focuses on traits of a worker that have nothing to do with their ability to do the job, such as Race, Religion, Gender, Nationality, Pregnancy, Criminal History, and Age, as well as Sexual Harassment. Discrimination is harmful and may result in a worker losing their job, a qualified applicant not being hired, unequal pay, a failure to pay equal benefits, and other negative consequences. Under federal and New Jersey state law, New Jersey employers are not permitted to discriminate against their employees on the basis of various protected characteristics. If you feel that you have been harassed, discriminated against, or retaliated against (for making complaints) at work, the experienced Princeton discrimination attorneys at Phillips & Associates, PLLC, can assist you.

Call Phillips & Associates, PLLC, today at (866) 229-9441 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our discrimination lawyers in Princeton.

Take Legal Action After Discrimination in the Workplace

One of the primary federal anti-discrimination laws is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Discrimination under Title VII may consist of an adverse employment action taken against an employee due to a characteristic protected by Title VII, such as Race, Religion, Gender, Nationality, Pregnancy, Criminal History, and Age, as well as Sexual Harassment. Sexual harassment, for example, is considered a form of sex/gender discrimination. Generally, a charge must be filed with the EEOC before bringing a lawsuit arising out of a Title VII violation.

Title VII only applies to employers with 15 or more employees, so people who work for smaller employers may need to look to the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD). The NJLAD protects a greater variety of traits, including creed, family status, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, and atypical cellular or blood traits. It also provides explicit protection for gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. The EEOC, in its guidance and case law, has recognized these aspects of identity as a basis for sex discrimination claims as well. Our discrimination lawyers can assist Princeton residents in taking legal action based on violations of federal or state laws.

What Proof Do I Need in a Discrimination Case?

Here’s what may be necessary to establish your case:

• Documented Evidence: Documentation is one of the most crucial evidence in a discrimination case. This can include emails, letters, performance reviews, or other written communication that shows you were treated unfairly based on a protected characteristic. For example, an email from a supervisor making discriminatory comments about your age or race could serve as vital evidence. Similarly, if you received warnings or were placed on performance improvement plans after reporting harassment, those documents may help build your case.
• Witness Testimony: Statements from coworkers, colleagues, or witnesses who observed the discriminatory behavior can support your claim. These individuals can testify to your mistreatment or confirm that others in similar situations were treated differently. Witness testimony can also corroborate your version of events when direct evidence is limited.
• Comparisons to Others: In some cases, showing that others who do not share your protected characteristics were treated more favorably can help demonstrate discrimination. For instance, if you were denied a promotion but a similarly qualified individual of a different gender or race was promoted, this can be evidence of discriminatory intent. Similarly, pay disparities between individuals of different genders or races performing the same job may indicate discrimination.
• Employer Records: In employment discrimination cases, your attorney may be able to obtain records from your employer that demonstrate discriminatory practices. These can include hiring data, promotion records, salary information, or internal communications that reveal bias or unfair treatment.
• Timing of Adverse Actions: The timing of discriminatory actions can also be important. If you faced an adverse action, such as termination or demotion, shortly after reporting discrimination or requesting reasonable accommodations, it may indicate retaliation. Retaliation is illegal and can be a significant part of your discrimination case.
• Pattern of Behavior: If your employer or another party has a documented history of discriminatory behavior, this can bolster your case. Past incidents, lawsuits, or complaints of discrimination within the same company or institution can help establish a pattern of illegal conduct. An experienced attorney will know how to investigate and gather evidence to build a strong case.

Damages Available In Employment Discrimination Cases

The types of damages that you may recover for a discrimination lawsuit vary depending on the law under which you are trying to recover compensation. Under Title VII and other laws enforced by the EEOC, you may recover compensatory damages and possibly punitive damages in cases involving intentional discrimination based on protected characteristics. Compensatory damages include emotional distress damages and out-of-pocket costs, such as medical expenses or job search expenses. Punitive damages may be awarded when an employer's discriminatory actions are especially egregious or reckless. There are limits on recovery under federal laws enforced by the EEOC, depending on the size of the employer. For example, the limit on recovery if an employer has 15-100 employees is $50,000. If a discrimination claim is brought under New Jersey's discrimination law, by contrast, there are no statutory damages caps imposed.

Contact Our Discrimination Lawyer in Princeton Today

Princeton has been ranked among the top 20 towns to live in the United States. Notable people who have lived there include T.S. Eliot, Richard Ford, Robert Fagles, Albert Einstein, Ethan Hawke, Toni Morrison, John Forbes Nash, Jr., and Woodrow Wilson. If you believe that you have been subjected to unlawful discrimination on the job, the Princeton discrimination lawyers at Phillips & Associates may be able to counsel you and represent you in a lawsuit for damages. Contact us at (866) 229-9441 or through our online form to schedule a free appointment. Our employment lawyers help people in Passaic, Bergen, Morris, Essex, Union, Hudson, Somerset, Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, Burlington, and Camden Counties.

Contact Phillips & Associates, PLLC, today to get started with our Princeton discrimination attorneys.