In today’s workplaces, there are usually a multitude of policies in place that prohibit discrimination. This is not to mention the many federal and New Jersey state laws that address this. But unfortunately, such instances still arise. Follow along to find out the most common forms of discrimination in the workplace and how a proficient employment discrimination attorney in Gloucester County, NJ, at The Vigilante Law Firm, P.C., can help you explore a potential legal strategy.
What are common forms of discrimination in the workplace?
By definition, workplace discrimination occurs when an employer is treated unfairly by an employer or coworkers due to factors that they cannot control (i.e., protected classes). With that being said, the most common forms of discrimination in the workplace read as follows:
- Race discrimination: this is when an employee is treated unfavorably simply based on their race or their personal characteristics attributed to a certain race.
- Color discrimination: this is when an employee is treated unfavorably simply based on their pigmentation, complexion, or skin tone.
- National origin discrimination: this is when an employee is treated unfavorably simply based on their ethnicity, accent, or culture.
- Religious discrimination: this is when an employee is treated unfavorably simply based on their religious beliefs and practices.
Of note, other examples may include age discrimination, disability discrimination, military discrimination, and genetic information discrimination.
What should I do if I experience or witness such discrimination?
If you believe that you are being treated less than your other coworkers due to any of the aforementioned reasons, then you must consider going forward with a discrimination lawsuit. This may just be the only way to recover financial compensation for your lost wages, emotional distress, and any other damages you may have incurred.
But before going down this legal route, you may inform your manager or your company’s Human Resources department that you are being made a victim of discrimination. Doing so may just allow you to receive quicker relief at your job. But at the very least, you may use this official complaint as a piece of evidence in your claim. Speaking of evidence, it may also be helpful to take photos or videos pertaining to your incident (i.e., your personal injuries, work area damages, and the overall scene), along with oral or written testimonies from coworkers that witnessed your incident.
And if you are a witness, you may still take the above actions in support of your coworker who may be too afraid to speak up. In the end, one of the talented New Jersey employment lawyers at The Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. is here whenever you are ready to initiate your workplace discrimination claim. Simply contact our firm at your earliest possible convenience.
