Boston Workplace Discrimination Attorney

How Common is Workplace Discrimination?

Unfortunately, workplace discrimination is underreported. Many workers feel they have no choice but to endure harassment or discrimination. Other employees may assume that no one will believe them if they report the discrimination. 

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), there were 81,055 new workplace discrimination charges for the fiscal year 2023, an increase of 10.3% compared to the previous year. 

Disability, race, sex, and age related complaints made up the the other top charges of workplace discrimination.

The above total does not include discrimination complaints filed with state agencies, such as the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). According to the MCAD report for fiscal year 2023, there were 3,086 complaints.

Common Examples of Workplace Discrimination

Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms. Some discrimination may be outright and easy to identify. For example, Employers or co-workers may create hostile work environments for employees of a specific national origin.

Other forms of workplace discrimination may be more difficult to identify. Age discrimination or pregnancy discrimination are two examples. 

Employers or co-workers may create hostile work environments for employees of a specific national origin. Sexual jokes, photographs, and emails may be the “norm” in the office. Employees may believe that sexual harassment is just something they need to put up with.

Examples of workplace discrimination may include:

• Refusing to hire individuals based on the color or sexual orientation
• Promoting other employees with less experience and qualification over someone who is over 40 years of age (age discrimination)
• Failing to pay equal wages to employees for the same job based on their religious beliefs
• Wrongful termination of an employee because she is pregnant and requests reasonable accommodations
• Firing an employee for reporting harassment or filing a whistleblower complaint
• Demoting an employee for taking time to perform military service, serve on a jury, or vote in an election

There are many examples of harassment and discrimination at work that we could add to the above list. Sadly, too many examples of discrimination exist in the workplace. 

Your best step is to consult with a discrimination attorney in Boston to discuss your situation. Our award-winning lawyers review your case for free. They provide actionable legal advice about your rights and options for fighting workplace discrimination. 

Laws That Protect Workers from Discrimination

Numerous federal laws protect employees from discrimination and harassment. A few of those laws are:

• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act – Protects employees over the age of 40 years from workplace harassment
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Protects employees from discrimination based on protected classes
• The Americans with Disabilities Act – Protects employees from discrimination based on a disability

State laws also protect employees from workplace discrimination.

Massachusetts Code Title XXI Chapter 151B protects employees from unlawful discrimination based on:

• Age
• Gender identity
• Gender
• Color
• Religious creed
• Ancestry
• Race 
• National origin 
• Sex
• Disability
• Veteran status
• Sexual orientation

Other Massachusetts employment laws protect against employer retaliation and other forms of workplace discrimination and harassment. 

State and federal discrimination laws may overlap. An employment discrimination lawyer carefully analyzes the case’s facts. He determines the causes of action that give you the best chance of receiving the outcome for your case that you desire. 

What Compensation Can You Recover After Workplace Discrimination Claim?

Your damages will depend on what type of discrimination you suffered and what law(s) your employer violated. Generally, you are entitled to damages for all of the financial and emotional losses you suffered due to your employer’s workplace discrimination.

This could include compensation for your back and front pay, accommodations, lost benefits, and other compensatory and punitive damages.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Boston Workplace Discrimination Lawyers

You do not have to face workplace discrimination and harassment alone. Our legal team at Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP is prepared to stand with you as you fight the injustice of workplace discrimination. We provide the legal advice, guidance, and support you need as you stand up for your legal rights.

Schedule your free consultation with an award-winning attorney. Learn about your legal rights from one of our Boston workplace discrimination attorneys.