Employment Discrimination Lawsuits - Advice From the Experts

The United States protects its citizens from discrimination in employment and the job application process with federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Workforce Investment Act, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act and the Civil Service Reform Act. Apart from the protected classes such as race, colour, religion etc., Georgia state law also prohibits discrimination based on age (40-70), disability including physical, mental, learning, or mental retardation and sex (Wage discrimination only). Public employees are also protected in the state against discrimination on the basis of national origin, race, colour, religion, age, disability or sex.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - Regulating Workplace Discrimination

The EEOC is the agency which regulates workplace discrimination in the state. You can contact the agency on their phone number 800-669-4000 or visit their website to find the field office closest to your location in Georgia. You can file the case in person at the agency office or you could even choose to email or fax your charge. Although you can file a charge against your employer without an attorney, it always helps to consult and employment lawyer before you file. There are strict time limits for employment discrimination charges to be filed and it involves paperwork as well. A legal expert will be able to make the process hassle free for you. If the EEOC does not resolve your case, you will have to move your claim to court. If you are not happy with the results after the EEOC has investigated your case, you can go ahead and file another case based upon your federal claim as well. However the case needs to be filed in a federal or state court within 90 days after you receive the notice ("Dismissal and Notice of Rights" or "Notice of Right to Sue" (Form 161)).

Seeking Legal Assistance

Since Georgia is an employment-at-will state you can terminated for no or any reason at all (as long as the reason is not discriminatory reason as protected by a federal or state anti-discrimination statute). Also Georgia does not have a general state anti-discrimination statute which covers private employees hence discrimination cases come under the federal cases.

It is always a wise decision to consult an attorney knowledgeable in employment discrimination law before you file an employment discrimination lawsuit. They will help you recover damages which typically consist of reinstatement, compensatory damages, back pay and attorney fees as well. As labor cases have complex legal regulations, you are assured success with the help of an employment discrimination attorney.

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