If you’ve experienced discrimination at work, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. Taking legal action against your employer is a serious step, but it’s also a crucial one if you’ve been treated unfairly due to your race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Successfully proving discrimination requires compelling evidence. Understanding what types of evidence are necessary can help you build a strong case. At William McBride Law Group, we are dedicated to helping individuals in Denver, Colorado, our discrimination attorneys are ready to go.
1. Documentation of Discriminatory Behavior
One of the most effective forms of evidence in an employment discrimination case is documentation. Keep a record of any instances of discriminatory behavior or unfair treatment. This can include:
- Emails and Messages: Save any emails, text messages, or other forms of communication that demonstrate discriminatory attitudes or actions from supervisors or colleagues.
- Performance Reviews: If your performance reviews were consistently positive but suddenly became negative without justification after an event related to your protected characteristic (such as disclosing a disability), these reviews can be powerful evidence.
- Memos and Written Warnings: Keep copies of any written warnings or memos you receive, especially if you believe they were issued unfairly.
Having a detailed and organized record of discriminatory incidents will bolster your case and provide a clear timeline of events.
2. Witness Testimonies
Witnesses can play a crucial role in corroborating your claims of workplace discrimination. These may include coworkers who observed the discriminatory behavior or heard discriminatory remarks. It’s important to reach out to potential witnesses early in the process, as their statements can significantly strengthen your case. An experienced discrimination attorney for discrimination at work in Denver can help you identify and approach these witnesses, ensuring their testimonies are accurately documented and presented.
3. Company Policies and Practices
Discrimination often occurs in environments where company policies or practices are not consistently applied. If you can show that your employer’s policies were applied differently to you than to others in similar situations, this can be compelling evidence of discrimination. This might include:
- Employee Handbooks: Review the company’s policies in their employee handbook, particularly those related to performance evaluations, promotions, and discipline. If your experience deviates from these policies, it could support your claim.
- Comparative Treatment: Gather information on how other employees in similar roles were treated. For example, if you were denied a promotion or a raise while others with similar qualifications were not, this could indicate discriminatory practices.
4. Performance Evaluations
Performance evaluations are a key piece of evidence in many discrimination cases. If your evaluations were consistently positive but suddenly deteriorated after a specific event (such as taking medical leave or lodging a complaint), this could suggest retaliatory behavior. It’s essential to compare your evaluations before and after the event in question to highlight any discrepancies that may point to discrimination.
5. Employment Records
Your employment records, including your hiring documents, job descriptions, and pay stubs, can provide crucial evidence in your case. These records can help establish a pattern of discriminatory behavior, such as pay disparities based on gender or race. They can also demonstrate that you were qualified for your position and that any adverse actions taken against you were unjustified.
How a Discrimination Attorney at Work Can Help
At William McBride Law Group, we understand the intricacies of Colorado employment law and have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in discrimination cases. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Evidence Collection and Preservation: We’ll help you gather and preserve the necessary evidence, ensuring that nothing is overlooked and that all documentation is properly organized.
- Witness Coordination: We’ll work with potential witnesses to obtain accurate testimonies that support your claims.
- Legal Strategy: Our team will develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific situation, taking into account the nuances of your case and the evidence available.
- Negotiation and Representation: Whether negotiating a settlement or representing you in court, we’ll advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome.
William McBride Discrimination Attorney
Proving workplace discrimination requires a combination of detailed documentation, witness testimonies, and a thorough understanding of employment law. By working with an experienced discrimination attorney for discrimination at work, you can build a strong case and hold your employer accountable for their actions. If you believe you have been discriminated against in your workplace, don’t hesitate to reach out to William McBride Law Group. We’re here to help you seek the justice you deserve.