Discrimination

State and federal laws recognize many types of workplace discrimination, all of which can create a hostile work environment. A person may claim discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, age, sex, religion, and disability. If you feel you have a discrimination case call us for a free consultation to find out. Don’t wait because there are time limits on when you can file a claim.

Discrimination claims are serious and can have a great emotional and financial impact on you and your family. Your employer will hire a big defense firm to attack your credibility and try to make you feel stupid. You deserve a Florida discrimination lawyer who understands what you’re going through and nows how to handle your case effectively. Above all else, you need a lawyer with ice water in his/her veins who isn’t afraid to litigate your case.

Time Limits

Before you can file a discrimination lawsuit in Florida you must file a “Charge of Discrimination” with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) and/or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (“FCHR”). In general, you need to file a charge of discrimination within 180 days from the date the discrimination took place. In Florida, the 180 day filing deadline is extended to 300 days because the FCHR enforces laws that prohibit discrimination on the same basis as the federal law. Federal employees (and job applicants) have a different complaint press and generally must contact an agency EEOC counsel within 45 days of the date the discrimination took place.

Before you can file a discrimination lawsuit in state or federal court you’ll usually need to wait at least 180 days while the EEOC and/or FCHR investigates your Charge of Discrimination. How the EEOC investigates depends on the facts and circumstances of the case. If after 180 days the EEOC has not made a determination you can request a “Right to Sue” letter which if issued gives you permission to file a discrimination lawsuit. This process is called “exhausting your administrative remedies,” and is required before filing a discrimination lawsuit in Florida state or federal court.

Click here for an EEOC Charge of Discrimination Form.

For More Information

It’s important to contact a discrimination lawyer as soon as possible so you don’t miss any important filing deadlines. You should also contact a discrimination lawyer if you feel you’re being discriminated so that lawyer can assist you in reporting the discrimination to your employer and to the EEOC or FCHR.