Employment Discrimination

Federal and New York employment discrimination laws prohibit employers from discriminating against employees because of age, gender, national origin, race, religion, military status, sexual orientation, a pregnancy or a disability or perceived disability. The New York employment discrimination attorneys at the Law Office of Risman & Risman, P.C. have years of experience in dealing with all types of  employment discrimination actions.

Incidents of employment discrimination are violations of law in New York and are more commonplace than most believe – vigilance in these matters is absolutely vital. If you believe that you are a victim of mistreatment and/or harassment because you are in one of these protected classes, then there is a possibility that your employer is in violation of employment discrimination laws.

It is in violation of Federal and New York law for employers to discriminate against employees in matters involving:

• hiring and firing;
• assignment or classification of employees;
• layoff, reduction in force (RIF) or forced retirement;
• job advertisements and recruitment;
• retirement plans, health/medical and fringe benefits;
• disability leave and severance;
• testing;
• promotion, demotion or transfer;
• compensation;
• use of company facilities; or
• training and apprenticeship programs.

It is important to note that employment discrimination claims are not normally evidenced in the open. More frequently, employment discrimination is covered up and hidden. Most employees tend to disregard their feelings and beliefs when it comes to possible employment discrimination. Even though an employer will have a different version of those events, such as arguing about performance, when it should not genuinely be an issue, this does not preclude an employee from finding a remedy at law. New York Employees are not required to tolerate employer’s wrongful acts, nor do employees have to wait for something to happen before contacting an attorney. Frequently, waiting only leads to an escalation of the discriminatory acts against the employee and may complicate issues facing the attorney.

Additionally, New York employees should be aware that the law does not generally protect employees from a nasty, unkind or demanding boss, however unfair that may seem. Employees are still required to fall under a protected class when any wrongful conduct occurs, and the wrongful conduct must be serious enough to have an adverse effect on the employee. In almost all cases, employees facing this type of situation should seek legal advice when the wrongful conduct first occurs, so that all the rights and remedies available under the law can be secured.

Employees should also be aware of the fact that employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees for reporting any type of employment discrimination, filing a lawsuit due to discrimination or for participating in an investigation of such discrimination. For that reason, employees should not be afraid to contact an attorney or pursue the protection of the law in New York.

If you believe that you are being treated unfairly or harassed at work because of your age, gender, national origin, race, religion, military status, sexual orientation, a pregnancy, a disability or perceived disability, or other protected right, you should know that laws in New York exist to protect you from unlawful discrimination or harassment.

The employment discrimination attorneys at the Law Office of Risman & Risman, P.C. are eager to help and discuss your concerns with you. There is no charge for the consultation. Please feel free to call us at (212) 233-6400 or contact us online.