Discrimination in the workplace is becoming widespread. There are several instances whereby employers unjustly treat diligent workers who once trusted them. Should that be the situation for you, you should be aware of the legal strategies for proving an employment discrimination case. Remember also that the courts and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) want solid evidence to accept what you are stating. You cannot straightly sue your employer using the legal system. Rather, you must submit a complaint of job discrimination to the EEOC. In this guide, we will walk you through effective legal strategies to prove employment discrimination claims.
Provide Direct Evidence
Having physical evidence will help you most effectively to demonstrate that you have been subjected to discrimination. For instance, if your manager or boss says something that directly links the negative event that happened to your protected class status to your position, then you have direct evidence against him. In another instance, you have evidence that your firing was based on your protected class status if your employer tells you you’re being let go because you’re approaching retirement age and the company wants a younger worker. You can hire an Employment Discrimination lawyer to help you present this evidence either orally or in writing. Direct evidence includes statements, written documents, emails, etc. However, direct evidence of job discrimination might not be readily available to you because corporations rarely send emails to employees to inform them they were let go due to their gender, age, or color.
Gather Relevant Information from Employee Handbooks
Usually, when someone starts working for a firm, they receive packets or papers containing crucial policies of the company, including those outlining how to stop discrimination. Therefore, any material you have access to that would be helpful for your case should be kept and utilized. Some companies could decide against distributing official handbooks. Rather, they might hang fliers outlining company policies against workplace discrimination in the break room. If at all possible, copy that as evidence.
Provide Your Medical and Mental Health Records
These records could be valuable evidence for you if you have experienced discrimination at work, suffered physically or emotionally, and sought assistance. Any high blood pressure experienced following the prejudice should be noted since it could be crucial proof in your case. These records could also be significant if your mental health has depreciated as a result of harassment or discrimination at work and you have visited a psychologist or another expert for advice.
Show Your Diaries or Journals
Many employees decide to keep personal notes of any behavior they dislike or that violates the law while employed. If the matter is still under development, it is highly advisable to immediately get legal assistance and jot down all the relevant information. Write down everything in a personal journal or diary meticulously, including the dates, times, names of people engaged, and any other relevant information. Although a valid discrimination claim does not depend on keeping a personal diary or notebook, it could act as additional evidence supporting your allegation of workplace discrimination.