If you feel that you’ve been treated unfairly at work compared to how other associates are treated, you could have grounds for a work discrimination case. Laws surrounding these cases vary from one state to the next. While an experienced attorney can help you determine what constitutes discrimination, the following guide can help you prepare for an informed conversation with your legal counsel.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Grounds for discrimination can vary by location. In the state of Nebraska, for instance, work discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly compared to others based on a characteristic that is legally protected from discrimination. For instance, employers legally cannot discriminate against staff members based on gender, disability, race, color, nationality, pregnancy, age, religion, or marital status.

How Should You Handle Discrimination at Work?

If you feel you’ve been discriminated against, the first step is to approach the offender. Expressing your concerns will show that you gave the offending party the opportunity to correct the behavior. Document the date of your conversation, or if the exchange is done via email, keep a copy of the communications for your records. If the issue persists, check your company’s HR policy to determine the next steps. Be sure to follow the instructions precisely.

What if Management Doesn’t Act Accordingly?

Should discrimination persist even after you’ve elevated the issue and filed a formal complaint, you can proceed with contacting an attorney to see if you have grounds for a discrimination case. First, however, you’ll need to file an administrative charge through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This is a legal obligation prior to filing a lawsuit. The agency will notify your employer, then either investigate or dismiss your claim. If they send you a right to sue notice, you can then contact an attorney to begin the process for pursuing litigation.

If you’ve been the victim of discrimination at work, allow The Law Offices of Bromm, Lindahl, Freeman-Caddy & Lausterer to help. Located in Wahoo, NE, this trusted firm has been serving the community since 1893 and maintains an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest accolade available for a practice. Find out more about how they help defend the rights of local employees by visiting their website, or call (402) 443-3225 to schedule a consultation.