Workers in Pennsylvania and around the country are often victims of illegal workplace discrimination. Otherwise qualified individuals may be overlooked for hiring or promotion, denied accommodations for disabilities or be subjected to sexual harassment.
Unfortunately, discrimination can sometimes be difficult to prove. While some employers may say or do things that clearly are discriminatory, many do not. Instead, the effects of illegal hiring practices and creating a hostile work environment may not be immediately obvious. Those who believe that they have been the victims of discrimination may have difficulty proving what happened, as an employer may claim that there is a misunderstanding or blame the applicant or employee for the situation.
One strategy that can be used to prove workplace discrimination is to examine the company and its workforce over a period of time. For example, an examination of the hiring practices of a company that racially discriminates will eventually show a pattern of only hiring employees of a certain race when applicants of other races with similar qualifications have applied for jobs and have not been hired.
Similarly, if employees or management of a company routinely engage in sexual harassment, there may be multiple victims who may be willing to step forward and share their stories. Once a pattern has been determined, it can be easier for all victims to seek justice.
Individuals who believe that they have been the victim of employment law violations, including discrimination, lack of accommodations or a hostile work environment, may benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney. The lawyer may be able to review the client’s case and make recommendations regarding possible litigation and reporting the discrimination to the appropriate government agencies.
