Silver Spring, MD Age Discrimination Lawyers

Experienced Lawyers for Victims of Workplace Age Discrimination in Silver Spring, Maryland

Sometimes, it can feel like the workforce favors younger employees. Still, simply getting older should not disqualify you from opportunities at your place of employment. If you have been discriminated against by your employer on the basis of age, a Silver Spring employment law attorney can help explore your options for legal recourse.

Identifying discrimination at your place of employment can be difficult. Oftentimes, employers will provide convenient excuses to explain away discriminatory behavior. At Melehy & Associates LLC, we can advise you of your rights and help you take action against unjust treatment based on your age at your workplace. Our lawyers will work toward a fair resolution on your behalf, keeping you informed of any developments in your case.

How Does Age Discrimination Occur in the Workplace?

Age-based discrimination in the workplace is not always obvious. Examples of discrimination include:

• Harassment: Older employees may experience continuous ridicule or bullying due to their age, creating a hostile work environment.
• Wages: Older employees may be passed over on promotions or benefits that are awarded to younger employees.
• Training: Managers may show preference to younger employees when it comes to training them for new skills, restricting the opportunities available to older employees.
• Recruiting: Employers may unfairly discriminate against older job candidates who are equally if not more qualified for the role. Sometimes, this is motivated by employers not wanting to hire candidates who are close to retirement.

If you believe that you have been treated unfairly on account of your age, you should document the incident(s) in as much detail as possible. This can serve as crucial evidence if you decide to move forward with a complaint.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act

Established in 1967, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is a federal law designed to protect older people in the workforce. The law's stated purpose is to "promote employment of older persons based on their ability rather than age" and to prevent employers from arbitrarily gating off opportunities to older workers. According to ADEA, it is illegal for an employer to refuse to hire, terminate, or otherwise discriminate against an employee simply because of their age.

At Melehy & Associates LLC, we can help you take legal action against an employer who has violated ADEA. We can help you document proof of the discrimination you have suffered, taking statements from other employees, reviewing statistical evidence, and considering any circumstantial evidence that could indicate preferential treatment to younger employees.

Legal Recourse for Age-Based Discrimination

If your employer has violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, you can file an official complaint through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC"). You also have the right to file a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights ("MCCR"). In addition to filing with the EEOC, you also have the right to subsequently file a civil action in court. After an exhaustion period, you also have the right to file a civil action in court. Note, however, that you must file your complaint with either the EEOC or the MCCR within 300 days of the incident. If you wait too long to take legal action, the EEOC or the MCCR might decline to investigate your case and you will be forever barred from pursuing the age discrimination claim in court.

If you were fired from your job and replaced with a younger employee, you may be entitled to injunctive relief(i.e. reinstatement to your former position) and compensation for your lost wages.

Age-based discrimination is also prohibited at the state level. Complaints through the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights must be filed within 300 days of the most incident.

Contact a Silver Spring Age Discrimination Lawyer Today

If you have been discriminated against for your age at your place of employment, Melehy & Associates LLC can represent you to help you get a full remedy. Our Silver Spring employment law attorneys are here to provide you with qualified representation and counsel. Call our offices at 301-587-6364 or contact us online to set up a free case evaluation today.