Silver Spring, MD Workplace Discrimination Attorneys

Reliable Workplace Discrimination Attorneys Representing Victims in Silver Spring, Maryland

Workplace discrimination happens every day. Sometimes, it is overt in the form of harassment, while in other cases, it might be more subtle, as seen with gender pay gaps. Fortunately, there are legal measures you can take to fight discrimination in the workplace. A Silver Spring employment discrimination attorney can guide you through the process of filing a complaint, looking out for your best interests in pursuit of a remedy.

At Melehy & Associates LLC, we are passionate about standing up for employee rights in the workplace. With over 100 5-star reviews, our attorneys have proven experience as advocates for people dealing with legal issues at work. We will do everything we can to help you combat discrimination by your employer, taking your needs into account as we pursue a solution.

Identifying Workplace Discrimination

Under Maryland law, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee or job applicant on the basis of "race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, or disability." This means that employers cannot refuse to hire someone simply because they belong to a protected class.

Discrimination can manifest in many different ways. Examples of workplace discrimination include:

• Harassment, including unwanted physical contact and derogatory remarks
• Refusing to pay employees the same rates for substantially similar work
• Asking invasive questions to interviewees
• Denying promotions or advancement opportunities
• Terminating an employee

Workplace discrimination is illegal under federal law as well, covered by the following acts:

• The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA)
• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA)
• The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
• The Pregnancy Discrimination Act

What Can I Do Against Workplace Discrimination?

Although there are numerous state and federal laws that prohibit workplace discrimination, that does not stop employers from engaging in discrimination regardless. Before you can file a lawsuit, you will first need to file a formal complaint in federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a local agency like the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights ("MCCR"). At Melehy & Associates LLC, we can provide you with legal advice from the beginning of your case to the end, informing you of the proper steps to take.

Before you make a formal complaint, you should gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This might involve obtaining witness statements from other employees and preserving emails and other communication from your employer. However, do not wait too long to file a complaint, as you could fall behind on state or federal deadlines to take legal action.

Filing a Complaint for Workplace Discrimination

If you have experienced discrimination at your workplace, you can petition the (MCCR) or the EEOC to take action. Note that you can only file a complaint for workplace discrimination through the MCCR or the EEOC if your employer has 15 or more employees, except for cases of unlawful harassment.

After you have submitted your complaint to the MCCR or the EEOC, an investigator will conduct an investigation of the claim. If the investigator concludes that you have suffered discrimination, then the MCCR or the EEOC can call for negotiations or mediation to resolve the issue. A settlement negotiated with the MCCR or the EEOC could involve a change in policy at your workplace and/or monetary compensation. You could also choose to file a civil lawsuit against your employer after filing a complaint with either the EEOC or the MCCR.

Meet With a Silver Spring, MD Workplace Discrimination Attorney

Have you been subject to unlawful discrimination at your place of employment? If so, our firm is ready to help. At Melehy & Associates LLC, our Silver Spring employment law attorneys can fight to hold your employer accountable for discriminatory behaviors. Contact us online or call us at 301-587-6364 to arrange a free case evaluation today.