Plantation Discrimination Lawyer

Plantation Discrimination Attorney

When at work, individuals should not have to worry about being discriminated against. Unfortunately, it does happen. Being treated unfairly due to a protected characteristic is against the law, and employers can face penalties if they facilitate such behavior. If you were discriminated against at work, a Plantation discrimination lawyer can help.

About The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A.

At The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A., we strive to provide each client with individualized, compassionate counsel. Michelle Cohen Levy has practiced law in Broward County for many years. She uses her experience and knowledge of employment law to craft a strategy that is tailored to her clients’ particular needs.

Michelle handles all of her clients’ cases herself, operating out of an office in Fort Lauderdale and ensuring that your case is given individualized attention. Michelle has litigated cases in and around the Broward County Central Courthouse (201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301). She understands how difficult and stressful discrimination cases can be and can guide you through the process with ease and understanding.

Florida Discrimination Laws

Employment discrimination laws in Florida help employees do more than simply say that they have been treated unfairly. These laws allow employees to take action against their employers when they believe discrimination has occurred. Both Florida and federal law prohibit employers from taking certain actions based on protected characteristics. Protected characteristics include:

• Race
• Sex/gender
• Religion
• Pregnancy status
• Medical condition
• Military status
• Age
• Disability
• National origin
• Sexual orientation
• Immigration status

Discrimination can also happen based on how someone speaks or their accent, not just their race or religion. It is important to note that these laws do not apply to all employers in Florida. Federal discrimination laws and Florida discrimination laws typically only apply to employers who have a certain number of employees. As such, the size of your employer can impact your ability to take legal action.

Filing a Discrimination Claim in Florida

The EEOC received 88,531 charges claiming job discrimination, a 9% increase over the previous year. In fiscal year 2023, 38% of claims were due to disability discrimination, 34.2% were for racial discrimination, and 30.4% were for sex discrimination.

When workers believe their employers have discriminated against them, they often want to file a claim right away. However, in most cases, you will need to file your claim with a government agency before you can file a claim in court.

In Florida, most employees file a claim of discrimination with either the EEOC or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). Both agencies have entered into a work-sharing agreement, which allows them to cross-file claims with one another. This makes it so that your claim will be reviewed under both Florida and Federal law.

Once you file a claim with one agency, they will investigate your claim. In some cases, the government agency will try to reach a resolution or issue findings. The agency usually gives a right-to-sue notice, which means you can then take your case to court.

Having a Strong Discrimination Claim

To successfully pursue your discrimination case, you must demonstrate unfair treatment stemming from a protected characteristic. Knowing how to prove discrimination can make the difference between a claim that goes nowhere and one that succeeds. While you may have been treated unfairly at work, that does not always create a valid claim.

Employment discrimination laws cover the entire employment relationship. From hiring to firing, if an employer takes an adverse action against you because of your legally protected characteristic, they may be discriminating against you. Discrimination claims are often proved through patterns, inconsistencies, or differences in the way employees are treated. This can include:

• Lower pay for the same job
• Termination or demotion due to a protected status, especially if no one else received the same treatment, and/or the employee has a good work history.
• Harassment
• Denial of promotions or other perks and benefits

Building up your case with proper documentation can help develop important evidence that your employer is saying one thing but doing another.

Hire a Discrimination Lawyer

When you file a discrimination claim, your claim isn’t simply based on facts. Instead, it’s based on how those facts apply to anti-discrimination laws. This is why it’s important to hire a discrimination lawyer in these types of cases.

Since there are procedural issues, filing requirements, statutes of limitations, and more than one law that might apply to your claim, seemingly minor errors can make a big difference.

A Plantation discrimination attorney can help you frame your claim properly from the beginning and protect your rights every step of the way.

FAQs

How Do I Prove a Discrimination Case?

Proof of discrimination often requires demonstrating that the employer took action because of your protected characteristic. This may be done by showing statements made by the employer or circumstantial evidence. Examples of circumstantial evidence include unequal treatment of you compared to others and documentation or statements by witnesses that prove your version of events.

Can I Be Fired for Reporting Discrimination?

No, you cannot be fired for reporting discrimination. This is considered retaliation, and it is protected under the law. If an employer tries to fire you for reporting discrimination, you can file a claim to hold them accountable. Other retaliatory actions that are against the law include demotion, reduced hours, or harassment. If you experience these, contact a lawyer right away in Plantation, Florida.

What Should I Do if I Experience Discrimination at Work?

Should you become a victim of discrimination, keep records of everything. Make sure you save all your emails, messages, and document everything, including dates and specifics about each event. If available, report the issue through your employer’s internal process. Before signing any releases or accepting any resolution, you may want to consult with an attorney to protect your rights and discuss your next steps.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Discrimination Case?

If your claim succeeds, damages for lost earnings, pain and suffering, and any other loss you have suffered as a result of the discrimination you faced can potentially be recovered. Sometimes people recover future lost earnings or other types of relief. It depends on the circumstances of your case.

Contact The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A. Today

If you have been discriminated against at work, The Law Office of Michelle Cohen Levy, P.A. can look into your case. Contact us today to get started.