To suffer discrimination is to be subjected to unfair or unequal treatment based on a trait or characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law. Legally protected characteristics (also known as classifications) include race, national origin (ethnicity), sex, age, disability, marital status, religion and sometimes, sexual orientation. There are many forms of discrimination, including racial discrimination, age discrimination, religious discrimination and sexual discrimination, to name just a few. Some types of discrimination cases are workplace discrimination (also known as employment discrimination), housing discrimination, education discrimination and discrimination in lending.

Both state and federal law prohibit treating people differently on the basis of a protected classification. Some of the laws that make it illegal to discriminate against others are Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Municipalities such as cities and counties can also have discrimination laws. These laws may, for example, extend to prohibiting discrimination based on military service, sexual orientation or parental status. Employers often have their own policies against discrimination as well.

As you can see, discrimination is a vast and complicated area of the law. Depending on the case, there may be several statutes that apply and the person suffering discrimination may have to decide whether to file suit in state or federal court. Moreover, some discrimination cases cannot be initiated until the victim files a federal claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If you have suffered discrimination, you need experienced discrimination lawyers on your side. Only a discrimination attorney who has handled many such claims can help you decide how best to pursue your unique case.

From wrongful termination, sexual harassment and retaliation to the Fair Housing Act to equal access and beyond, we can help you secure all of the compensation to which you may be entitled. At Feldman Shepherd, we are committed to obtaining the best possible recovery for our clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey as expeditiously as possible. We are here to serve you with hard work, attention to detail and a caring approach tailored to your individual needs. If we may be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us today.