Three Steps to Remember If You Experience Workplace Discrimination

employment discrimination

Many workers experience different types of workplace discrimination because of their unique characteristics. They get unfair treatment from their coworkers and boss that make them emotionally suffer to the point of experiencing psychological problems.

Fortunately, the California law protects workers against workplace discrimination. And there are legal steps to take if you experience this mistreatment on the job.

However, keep these points in mind to guide you if you undergo workplace discrimination of any sort.

Learn the Most Common Workplace Discrimination Types

workplace discrimination

Workplace discrimination is when your boss or co-employee mistreats you because of your unique characteristic like:

  • Race
  • Disability
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Religion
  • Military Status
  • Language

Employers or coworkers show different actions when discriminating against particular people. However, some of these actions include:

workers' compensation claims

  • Not hiring you even if you’re qualified
  • Harassment
  • Unfair salary rates
  • Denying you of promotion even if you deserve it
  • Unreasonable job termination

Moreover, some employers impose unnecessary policies that discriminate against particular people. An example is when they require all employees to speak in English at all times, even if it’s unnecessary.

The thing is that some company policies may have valid reasons even if they sound discriminative for some employees. For instance, it’s not discrimination if your boss requires you to speak English while talking with customers.

That’s why it’s crucial to determine if you are experiencing workplace discrimination or not. A good workers’ compensation attorney in Burbank can clarify this point to you.

Legal Steps to Take if You Experience Workplace Discrimination

sexual harassment

Workplace discrimination is illegal according to the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Here are the steps you must take if you find yourself in that situation:

1. Talk with Your Employer

It’s vital to begin by talking with your employer about the discrimination you experience.

In some cases, employers are open to suggestions to address the mistreatment of their employees. So, they are helpful if you experience discrimination from your coworkers too.

However, some employers won’t listen and won’t make changes to address the problem. That’s when you should proceed to the next step.

2. File a Case in Court

attorney

You can file a case in court if the DFEH or EEOC fails to resolve your discrimination charge. That’s when you can ask for punitive and compensatory damages from the employer.

The respective agency will give you a Notice of Rights to Sue. And you must file a case in court within 90 days after receiving the notice.

On a side note, it’s vital to hire a workers’ compensation attorney in Burbank to prepare and win a discrimination case.

3. File Discrimination Charges

Connect with the correct agency to file a discrimination charge.

  • Go to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) if your workplace only has 14 employees or fewer.
  • Go to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if your workplace has 15 workers or more.

The respective agency will investigate your case and try to resolve it with your employer without going to court.

Seek Professional Psychological Help

post-traumatic stress

It’s vital to visit a psychologist or a psychiatrist if you are a victim of workplace discrimination. It helps control, reduce, or resolve physical and psychological symptoms that result from the mistreatment you undergo.

So, some of the discrimination-related symptoms you may experience include:

  • Severe depression and anxiety
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, especially if you had experienced brutal physical harassment
  • High blood pressure, weakening of immune system, and exhaustion because of severe stress

So, contact a reliable psychologist or psychiatrist to help you handle different discrimination-related problems. They can also support your case if necessary.

Call a Burbank Workers’ Compensation Lawyer If You Face Workplace Discriminationlawyer

Workplace discrimination is a serious problem that nobody should take lightly. That’s why you should know the correct legal steps to take if you experience this mistreatment on the job.

Consult a workers’ compensation attorney in Burbank immediately to help protect your rights against discrimination.

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