Proving unlawful workplace discrimination in New Jersey is very difficult. “Smoking gun” evidence is rare, and few employees willingly testify against their employers. More often, plaintiffs must prove cases by inference and circumstantial evidence. A qualified New Jersey discrimination lawyer can be critical to the success of your case. At Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in Hackensack, we represent individuals, including senior executives, whose workplace discipline or termination is the result of unlawful discrimination. Through direct negotiations, mediation, arbitration and litigation, our NJ discrimination attorneys help clients obtain compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits businesses from making employment decisions based on any of the following “protected characteristics” of an employee or job applicant:
Our work has changed the landscape of New Jersey employment discrimination law, and we have obtained millions of dollars for workers.
New Jersey employees are protected against COVID-related workplace discrimination in several ways. It is unlawful for an employer to retaliate against an employee for using his or her earned sick leave, family leave benefits or temporary disability insurance to take time off work for a COVID-related issue, provided the legal requirements are met.
As long as an employee provides appropriate documentation from a medical professional, he or she may use available leave to:
If you suffered negative consequences at work after taking COVID-related leave, speak with an attorney.
To prove workplace discrimination, you must demonstrate that an employer treated you differently because you are a member of a protected group. Evidence supporting your claim may include:
We can help you find and prepare the evidence you need to build a case.
New Jersey law does not require you to file any administrative agency claims before you initiate a civil lawsuit, although you may elect to make such a filing.
Pursuant to some federal anti-discrimination laws, before you can sue your employer, you must file a Charge of Discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The charge must be submitted within 180 days of the discriminatory event and must include the following:
Once your claim is filed, the EEOC will investigate or recommend mediation. The EEOC may also grant you a Notice of Right to Sue. Our lawyers can guide you through the filing process and next steps.
The legal relief you can receive in a workplace discrimination case will depend on the details and severity of your claim. If a court or the EEOC determines that discrimination took place, you may be able to receive:
As one of New Jersey’s largest plaintiff-side employment law firms, we handle cases of discrimination against individuals from all protected classes, and take on claims against employers of all sizes.
At Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in Hackensack, New Jersey, we have won many precedent-setting employment discrimination cases. We have the experience and resources to challenge even the most powerful defendants. To schedule your confidential consultation, call 551-245-8894 or contact us online.