New Jersey Discrimination Lawyer
We Fight For Victims of Workplace Discrimination in New Jersey
Discrimination is among the most personal and painful transgressions employees can suffer at the hands of their coworkers or employers. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and many subsequent state and federal laws over the years have focused on outlawing workplace discrimination.
Unfortunately, workplace discrimination in New Jersey can and does still occur frequently in the workplace.
The NJ discrimination lawyers at The Law Firm of Morgan Rooks, P.C. fight for employees who need to hold their employers accountable for discrimination. Whether by your employer’s direct actions and policies, or by the actions of coworkers that went unchallenged, we can help if you’ve experienced discrimination at work.
Have you recently experienced discrimination at work? Schedule a FREE consultation with our discrimination lawyer in New Jersey by calling (856) 746-6332 or reaching out online.
Understanding Workplace Discrimination in New Jersey
Workplace discrimination refers to the unfair and unfavorable treatment of employees or job applicants based on certain protected characteristics. These characteristics can include race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Discrimination in the workplace can take a variety of forms, such as:
- Unfair treatment
- Harassment
- Denial of a reasonable workplace change
- Improper questions about or disclosure of your medical information
- Retaliation
If you feel like you have suffered employment discrimination, The Law Firm of Morgan Rooks, P.C. is here to help! Get in contact with our qualified discrimination lawyer in New Jersey as soon as possible.
Understanding your rights is crucial when facing workplace discrimination. New Jersey laws provide a robust framework for combating discrimination, ensuring that every individual's dignity and uniqueness are respected. Employees should not only be aware of the forms discrimination can take but also be knowledgeable about the legal avenues available to address these grievances. Whether experiencing subtle biases or overt discriminatory actions, it's essential to consult professionals who can guide you through the complexities of employment law.
Common Types of Employment Discrimination in NJ
Our New Jersey discrimination attorneys commonly assist employees who have faced discrimination because of:
If your employer has discriminated against you for another reason, please reach out to our discrimination lawyer in New Jersey to learn more about our services. We can also assist employees who have been subjected to a hostile work environment and need to take legal action to hold their employers accountable.
New Jersey's diverse workforce means that discrimination might not always manifest in the typical ways employees expect. For instance, age discrimination remains prevalent, especially as workplaces strive to cut costs by targeting higher-paid, older employees. Additionally, discrimination based on familial status is an area gaining increased attention, as more businesses are being called out for discrepancies in the treatment of employees with caregiving responsibilities. Becoming informed about these various forms of discrimination helps empower employees to recognize and fight back against unjust treatment.
Protected Characteristics Under New Jersey Law
Sometimes referred to as “protected classes” or “protected traits,” protected characteristics are traits or qualities about a person that can’t be taken into consideration for how they should be treated at work. This includes day-to-day treatment, as well as decisions to hire or terminate the employee.
Federal and state laws designate the following as protected characteristics in New Jersey:
- Race
- Religion
- Age (if 40 or older)
- Sex
- Disability Status
- Skin Color
- National Origin
- Ancestry
- Pregnancy
- Familial and Marital Status
- Sexual Orientation
- Gender Identity
- Liability for Military Service
- AIDS or HIV Status
None of the above may be a factor for any decisions regarding your employment or how others at work interact with you. If you believe you are a victim of discrimination at your place of employment, reach out to our discrimination lawyers in NJ to get the legal support you need.
Understanding these protected characteristics is critical not just for employees, but also for employers striving to create an inclusive workplace. Educating management and HR professionals on these characteristics ensures compliance and fosters a respectful and diverse work environment where all employees can thrive without fear of unfair treatment. Regular training sessions and updated internal policies can significantly mitigate risks associated with workplace discrimination.
Why Take Legal Action for NJ Workplace Discrimination?
Employment discrimination is a very serious matter. Not only can it make people feel unwelcome at their place of work, but it can lead to unsafe working conditions as well. Beyond that, there is the basic principle that people who share certain protected characteristics should not be treated differently on that basis alone.
Employment discrimination may have affected:
- Your employment
- Wages you should have earned
- Benefits that you should have received
Legal action can be a powerful tool to correct wrongs and bring attention to systemic issues within an organization. By pursuing justice, you not only seek compensation or rectification for yourself but also shine a spotlight on unethical practices that may affect countless others. This can encourage workplaces to adopt more equitable practices and provide proper training to prevent future occurrences of discrimination, promoting a healthier and more inclusive work environment.
How Long Do I Have to File a Discrimination Lawsuit in New Jersey?
Filing a discrimination case within the appropriate time frame in New Jersey is essential. As experienced workplace discrimination lawyers in New Jersey, we emphasize the importance of knowing these deadlines to protect your rights. The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (NJ DCR) generally permits 180 days to file a complaint. Meanwhile, in accordance with federal law, you usually have 300 days from the date of the discriminatory act to file with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Additionally, if you decide to bypass administrative agencies, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) is two years from the date of the discriminatory event. This allows you to proceed directly to court.
It's crucial to act quickly to safeguard your legal rights. As soon as you suspect discrimination, consult with a New Jersey workplace discrimination lawyer. Our staff is here to assist you in navigating the process, ensuring you successfully seek justice and adhere to all deadlines.
Timely legal action not only helps your case significantly but also emphasizes the seriousness of addressing workplace discrimination promptly. Any delays might hinder an investigation, as evidence could become less reliable over time, and witnesses may become harder to locate. Early intervention remains pivotal in gathering thorough evidence and presenting an airtight argument for your claims.
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Attorney Franklin Rooks is absolutely amazing.
“He helped me through the toughest time in my life. I can't thank him and his firm enough.”- Tara L.
Why Choose The Law Firm of Morgan Rooks, P.C.?
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We have experience as business owners ourselves, and know their thought process.
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We tackle cases of every size and complexity with a tailored approach.
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Communication is key! We keep you updated throughout your case.
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We focus on protecting your rights, when employers fail to do so.