Kansas City Discrimination Attorney
Siro Smith Dickson: Your Kansas City Discrimination Attorney
It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you because you belong to a “protected class.” Employers generally cannot discriminate against you because of your age, disability, sex/gender, military status, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or religion. You are also protected against sexual harassment and pregnancy discrimination, as they are forms of gender discrimination. Call our Kansas City Discrimination Attorney if you are not sure what to do or have unanswered questions. Siro Smith Dickson PC have over 45 years of combined legal experience to be able to help you with your lawsuit.
Overview of Discrimination Law
Are you over 40, recently terminated from your job, and believe your firing is related to your age or because of unfair age stereotypes? Or, do you believe your firing is because of your gender, race, disability? Have you heard management or co-workers make derogatory comments about your age, sex, race, or disability? Whether it’s sexual harassment or a comment on another personal matter, we can help defend you.
Click on the following links to learn more about some classifications of illegal discrimination:
- Age Discrimination
- Disability Discrimination
- Gender Discrimination
- Military Status Discrimination
- Pregnancy Discrimination
- Race Discrimination
- National Origin Discrimination
- Religious Discrimination
- Sexual Orientation Discrimination
What to Do If You Believe You’ve Experienced Discrimination
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of workplace discrimination, taking prompt and decisive action is crucial. Here are immediate steps you should consider:
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of incidents, including dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and specific discriminatory actions or remarks. Save relevant emails, messages, performance reviews, and any other documents.
- Review Company Policy: Familiarize yourself with your employer’s internal discrimination and harassment policies. Understand their reporting procedures.
- Report Internally (If Safe): Consider reporting the discrimination through your company’s official channels, such as HR or a designated manager. This can sometimes lead to an internal resolution and is often a prerequisite for external legal action.
- Avoid Retaliation: Be aware that it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation.
- Consult an Attorney Promptly: Time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing discrimination claims are strict and vary by the type of claim and jurisdiction. Contacting an experienced discrimination lawyer in Kansas City as soon as possible ensures you don’t miss critical deadlines and allows for proper legal guidance.
Understanding the Evidence Needed for Discrimination Claims
Building a strong discrimination case requires compelling evidence. While every situation is unique, common types of evidence can include:
- Direct Evidence: Explicit statements or actions demonstrating discriminatory intent.
- Circumstantial Evidence: Patterns of behavior, statistical disparities, or comparative evidence (e.g., how similarly situated employees outside your protected class were treated differently).
- Witness Testimony: Accounts from colleagues or others who observed discriminatory conduct.
- Documentation: Performance reviews, disciplinary actions, emails, text messages, internal memos, and company policies that support your claim.
- Expert Analysis: In some cases, expert testimony may be used to analyze data or employment practices.
An experienced Kansas City discrimination attorney can help you identify, gather, and organize the necessary evidence to build the strongest possible case.
Call our Kansas City Discrimination Attorney At Siro Smith Dickson
If you believe you may have a discrimination case you should contact our attorneys right away. Discrimination claims have many time deadlines so you must act quickly to preserve your case. Talk to one of our discrimination attorneys in Kansas City about your employment situation. Siro Smith Dickson is the Employee’s Employment Law Firm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Workplace Discrimination
Q: What is workplace discrimination?
A: Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfavorably because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.
Q: How long do I have to file a discrimination claim?
A: The timeframe for filing a discrimination claim is critical and varies. For federal claims, you typically have 180 or 300 days to file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from the date of the discriminatory act. State laws may have different deadlines. It is vital to consult with an attorney immediately to understand the specific deadlines applicable to your situation.
Q: Can I be fired for reporting discrimination?
A: No. Federal and state laws prohibit employers from retaliating against an employee for exercising their rights under anti-discrimination laws, including reporting discrimination, participating in an investigation, or filing a charge. If you experience retaliation, you may have a separate claim.
Q: What kind of compensation can I receive in a discrimination case?
A: Compensation in discrimination cases can vary depending on the specifics of the case but may include: back pay (lost wages), front pay (future lost wages), compensatory damages (for emotional distress, pain and suffering), punitive damages (to punish the employer for egregious conduct), and attorney’s fees and court costs.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to file a discrimination claim?
A: While you can file a discrimination charge with the EEOC or a state agency on your own, navigating the complex legal process, gathering evidence, and understanding your rights is significantly easier and more effective with the guidance of an experienced discrimination lawyer. An attorney can help you understand your options, build a strong case, and represent your interests.
