We Represent Employees in Racial Discrimination Claims in Trenton and Throughout New Jersey
At Zatuchni & Associates, our Trenton race discrimination lawyers have the professional skills and legal knowledge that you can rely on for results. With an exclusive focus on representing the rights of workers, we know how to hold employers accountable. If you or your loved one was forced to endure racial discrimination or racial harassment in the workplace, our legal team can help. To set up a strictly confidential initial consultation with an experienced workplace discrimination lawyer in New Jersey, please contact us today.
State and Federal Laws Protect Workers Against Race-Based Discrimination
Every worker should be assessed and evaluated based on their personal qualifications. Your racial background should not pose a barrier to fair treatment in the workplace. Unfortunately, job-related discrimination still happens. Employees are protected against race-based discrimination under both state and federal regulations. Here are the two key laws you need to know:
- Federal Law: Race discrimination, ethnic background discrimination, and national origin discrimination are all barred under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Notably, this federal statute applies to companies and organizations with at least 15 workers.
- State Law: The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination also prohibits racial discrimination and racial harassment. While there are many similarities between state law and federal law, the New Jersey statute applies to employers of any size.
Discrimination is Unfavorable Treatment Based on a Protected Characteristic
As a general rule, employment discrimination occurs when a worker (or job applicant) is treated less favorably than a similarly situated person because of a protected, immutable characteristic. In New Jersey, you can bring a racial discrimination claim based on many different types of adverse employment action. Some notable examples of unfavorable treatment that could justify legal action include:
- Refusal to hire;
- Lower salary;
- Fewer benefits;
- Denial of promotion;
- Unfair disciplinary action; and
- Termination of employment.
To bring a race discrimination claim, an employee must prove that the adverse action (unfavorable treatment) happened, at least in part, because of their race. It is not sufficient to prove that you endured unfavorable treatment. You must provide evidence that race, ethnic background, or national origin was a factor. Evidence comes in many forms. It could be comments made directly to you by a supervisor. Alternatively, it could be that the company has a history of denying promotions to minority workers. An experienced Trenton, NJ employment lawyer can help you build a case.
Anti-Discrimination Laws Protect Against Racial Harassment
State and federal employment laws protect workers against race-based harassment. You may hear this referred to as a “hostile work environment” claim. Simply put, a hostile work environment is one in which an ordinary person would feel so unwelcome or uncomfortable that it disrupts their ability to perform their job. When harassment is based on race, national origin, or another type of protected characteristic, your employer may be liable. To bring a race-based harassment claim in New Jersey, an employee must prove that they were subject to “severe or pervasive” mistreatment.
You Can Rely On New Jersey Employment Discrimination Attorney David Zatuchni
Racial discrimination claims are complicated. As an experienced New Jersey employee rights advocate, our founder David Zatuchni can help you navigate the claims process. When you reach out to our team, you will have a chance to consult with a Trenton race discrimination attorney who can:
- Listen to your story, answer questions, and explain your rights under state/federal law;
- Investigate the matter, gathering and organizing all evidence of discriminatory practices;
- Represent you in any settlement negotiations with your employer or an insurer; and
- Prepare to take your case the distance to get you justice and fair financial compensation.
Every race discrimination case is unique. The small details always matter and personalized attention is a must. We will get your case right. With a proven record of successful results, you can trust our Trenton employment discrimination lawyer for top-quality legal representation.
Contact Our Trenton, NJ Racial Discrimination Attorney for Immediate Legal Help
At Zatuchni & Associates, our New Jersey employment law attorney has the skills and experience to protect the rights of workers. If you or your loved one was the victim of racial discrimination or harassment, we can help. Give us a call now or use our online contact form to set up a free review of your case. Our law firms represent employees in Trenton and throughout Mercer County, including in Princeton, Hamilton Township, Ewing Township, and West Windsor Township.