Being discriminated against in the workplace not only creates feelings of stress and discomfort, but it’s also illegal. Laws prohibit employers and co-workers from discrimination based on gender, race, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. If you feel you were the victim of such behavior, it’s important you know what to do about it. When the residents of Ava, MO, need an attorney they can trust to effectively fight for their rights, they turn to The Law Office of Christopher J. Swatosh. He has represented many people pursuing employment discrimination cases and is dedicated to helping clients obtain justice.

Below, he suggests a few steps to take if you’re experiencing discrimination at work:

• Report It: The first thing you should do is report the discrimination to your employer or human resource department. This may be enough to eliminate the issue without further incident. However, if this proves to be futile, the next step should be contacting the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to file a formal complaint.
• Document Incidents of Discriminatory Behavior: It’s important to document all of the instances when you’ve felt discriminated against due to offensive jokes, comments about certain groups of people, or other behaviors. Keep any emails, photos, and additional forms of evidence that display discriminatory treatment to serve as proof should you choose to file a claim.
• Consult an Attorney: If nothing is being done to protect your rights, it’s best to seek the advice of a lawyer who is familiar with employment discrimination laws. They will evaluate the circumstances of your situation to determine if you have a valid case to pursue.
• Decide if You Wish to Take Legal Action: Should your attorney come to the conclusion your rights are being violated, decide if you want to take legal action. This will involve filing a lawsuit against your employer to gain compensation.

Workplace discrimination is tough to endure and can be challenging to dispute. An attorney at The Law Office of Christopher J. Swatosh can help you determine how to resolve the problem and move forward. For a consultation, call them today at (417) 683-2987, or visit the website for additional information.