You may need to talk to a Worcester age discrimination lawyer if you experienced unfair treatment at work due to your age. Age discrimination in employment can take many forms, from discriminatory hiring practices to wrongful termination and limited opportunities for advancement.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, our firm is exclusively dedicated to employment law. We assist clients with a wide range of employment issues, including workplace discrimination, employer retaliation, and OSHA health and safety claims.
If you have concerns about your rights, our Worcester employment discrimination lawyers can provide legal representation and guidance throughout the entire process.
Overview of Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Age discrimination affects many employees, creating obstacles in hiring, promotions, and job security. Recognizing the signs and understanding legal protections can help employees take action when facing discriminatory treatment.
Here’s a brief overview about age discrimination from our Worcester labor and employment lawyers.
Age Discrimination Explained by a Lawyer
So, what is considered age discrimination at work? Age discrimination happens when an employer treats a worker unfairly because of their age. Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), employees who are 40 or older are protected from discrimination in hiring, termination, promotions, pay, and other workplace decisions.
Forms of discrimination related to age may include:
- Wrongful termination: Letting go of older employees while keeping younger workers with similar experience
- Retaliation against employees: Demoting, reassigning, or firing workers who file a discrimination complaint
- Hostile work environment: Creating a toxic work environment through repeated ageist comments or unfair policies
Understanding workplace discrimination laws is important when deciding how to respond to unfair treatment. If an employee believes they have been a victim of age discrimination, they may consider speaking with an employment attorney to learn about their options.
For a free legal consultation with a age discrimination lawyer serving Worcester, call (860) 999-9394
How to Identify Age Discrimination at Work
Age discrimination can sometimes be hard to spot, but knowing what to look for can help you understand if you’re being treated unfairly because of your age.
Employees who are 40 years old or older are protected under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). However, many still experience discriminatory actions or comments that affect their well-being and career growth.
Here are a few signs that may suggest you are facing age discrimination in your workplace:
- Unfair Treatment in Hiring and Promotions: If you’re consistently overlooked for job opportunities or promotions in favor of younger candidates who have similar or less experience, this could be a form of employment discrimination.
- Age–Based Comments and Remarks: Remarks about your age, such as “You’re too old for this role” or “You may not be able to keep up with the younger crowd” can be signs of discriminatory treatment. These comments may come from supervisors, coworkers, or clients.
- Unequal Work Conditions or Pay: If you’re doing the same work as younger employees but receiving lower pay or fewer benefits, it could be age discrimination.
Speaking with an employment lawyer about your experience can help you understand whether what you’re facing is unlawful. Employment discrimination lawyers can guide you through the legal process and help you seek compensation for any harm caused by age-based discrimination.
Worcester Age Discrimination Lawyer Near Me (860) 999-9394
How to Protect Your Rights After Spotting Age Discrimination
If you believe you are experiencing age discrimination at work, it is important to take steps to protect yourself. Understanding your rights and knowing what actions to take can help you stand up against unlawful workplace discrimination.
Document the Discrimination
Keeping detailed records of discriminatory actions can help support a discrimination complaint if you decide to take legal action. Consider the following steps:
- Write down specific incidents, including age-related comments, unfair treatment, or changes in job duties.
- Save emails, text messages, or written policies that show discriminatory treatment.
- Keep track of dates, times, and people involved in the incidents.
- Note any retaliation that occurs after speaking up about workplace discrimination.
These records can serve as evidence if you decide to file a claim for employment discrimination.
Report the Discrimination Internally
Before taking legal steps, you may want to report the issue to your employer. Many companies have workplace policies that outline how to handle employment discrimination claims. Steps may include:
- Reporting the issue to human resources or a supervisor
- Filing a formal complaint following company procedures
- Reviewing the company’s employment contracts and policies for guidance
Employers are required to take discrimination complaints seriously. If they fail to address the issue, you may need to consider other legal options.
File a Complaint With a Government Agency
If your employer does not take action or if discriminatory hiring practices, wrongful termination, or retaliation against employees occur, you may consider filing a complaint with a government agency. Agencies that handle employment discrimination cases include:
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Investigates federal discrimination in employment claims
- The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD): Handles state-level discrimination cases
These agencies review claims, investigate discriminatory treatment, and may take action against employers who violate discrimination laws. If none of that works, a Worcester age discrimination lawyer can explain how to file a lawsuit against your employer.
Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer
If you are unsure about your rights or need help with a lawsuit, an employment discrimination lawyer can explain your options. Employment law attorneys handle cases involving:
- Age discrimination claims
- Wrongful termination
- Retaliation lawsuits
- Hostile work environment
- Unequal treatment in hiring or promotions
A lawyer can review your case, explain your rights, and help you prove age discrimination in a lawsuit. We can also help you understand whether you are eligible for compensation due to lost wages, emotional distress, or other damages caused by unfair treatment.
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Take Action to Protect Yourself
If you believe you are a victim of workplace discrimination, taking the right steps can help you seek justice. Holding employers accountable for unlawful employment discrimination can also help prevent similar treatment of other employees in the future.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Talk to an Age Discrimination Lawyer in Worcester, MA About Your Case Today
If you believe you have been a victim of age discrimination, speaking with an employment attorney can help you determine the best course of action. An age discrimination attorney in Worcester, MA can answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you take the necessary steps to seek fair treatment.
Legal representation can make a difference in holding employers accountable for unlawful employment discrimination. Whether you are dealing with wrongful termination, workplace age discrimination, or employment contract disputes, an experienced attorney from Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard can provide guidance and support.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form