Employee Rights: What Steps Can You Take if You Are Experiencing Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination can make people feel confused, angry and terrified of what could happen to their jobs. However, there are federal and state laws that protect workers. For example, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects workers from sex, national origin, religious and racial discrimination. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects workers from disability discrimination. These laws (and others) mean workers may benefit from hiring a workplace discrimination lawyer to pursue legal options if they were discriminated against.

There are steps workers can take if they are being discriminated against by their employers.

1. Consult with an attorney: This is the most important step. In fact, this should be the first step. Workers can discuss options with an attorney, such as how to gather evidence or pursue legal options to hold the employer accountable. Experienced employment law attorneys have represented numerous clients who have faced similar circumstances.
2. Gather evidence: Electronic correspondence may contain evidence of discrimination. This can include emails, text messages, voicemails or memos. Company policies may also show a culture of discrimination. For example, if layoffs or other policies target a specific group of people.
3. Keep a journal: Workers can write down each instance of discrimination. This includes who said what and when, or any possible witnesses. Our website has detailed information on the various types of workplace discrimination.
4. Speak up: Workers should make it clear to their employers they feel they are being discriminated against.
5. Secure important paperwork: Workers who are fired may be able to request copies of their employment contracts. Company rules or policy handbooks may come in handy. Finally, employers might provide termination notices. These documents could be useful later.

How Can a Workplace Discrimination Lawyer Help?

This is not an exhaustive list of steps workers should take (which is why an attorney can help). However, documentation and other types of evidence may be useful for your attorney. The discovery phase of a lawsuit could uncover more evidence of discrimination.

Dallas employment law attorney Dan A. Atkerson has more than three decades of experience fighting for victims of workplace discrimination. He can help workers explore possible legal options to hold employers accountable.