Can Help
Royal Oak Workplace Discrimination Lawyer
Have you been treated unfairly or discriminated against at work in Michigan? We understand that employment rights violations can be emotionally and financially devastating, making you feel powerless, alone, and unsure of where to turn next for help. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Finding a team of experienced employment attorneys in Michigan passionate about helping Michigan employees and people like you starts with us. Don’t let your employer get away with unfair treatment in any situation.
Do You Know Your Employment Rights in Michigan?
What Is Title VII?
Our attorneys are thoroughly versed in the Civil Rights Act and how it pertains to Michigan employees and potential employment discrimination. Our employment legal team is highly skilled in filing effective claims on our client’s behalf. Title VII is the name of the federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on any of the following items:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Gender
- National Origin
In addition to these provisions, Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees due to age, weight, height, marital status, or arrest record.
Am I protected under Michigan’s employment law?
Yes. Together, these two laws help to protect employees from a variety of victimizing actions in the workplace, such as:
- Not making reasonable accommodations for employees desiring to observe a religious holiday, dress in religious attire, or participate in religious practices.
- Firing or retaliating against workers because they have filed discriminatory claims or complained about mistreatment related to discrimination.
- Basing decisions and actions towards an employee based on the race or national origin of their spouse or friends.
- Dividing workers or assigning them based on their race or skin color
Despite the immense social progress made in the United States, employment discrimination based on sex, race, religion, and national origin is still common within companies.
Employees who feel that they have become victims of racial and religious discrimination or that they were treated unfairly because of their sex or national origin should immediately seek the services of an employment discrimination attorney in Royal Oak, MI.
The employer discrimination lawyer team at Just Right Law is devoted to helping individuals learn more about the rights they have and the resources available to them should they decide to take action against their employers.
Michigan Employment Law FAQs
Michigan workers who have experienced discrimination in employment-related matters typically have many questions about the legal process and their rights as workers under both Michigan and federal employment law. Here are some of the questions we receive most often at Just Right Law – don’t hesitate to reach out to our law firm for answers to questions of your own.
How do I know if I have a valid workplace discrimination claim?
A valid workplace discrimination claim generally exists when an employer treats an employee unfairly based on a protected characteristic such as race, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin. Discrimination may involve hiring, pre-employment interviews, firing, pay, promotions, or workplace conditions. To determine if your experience qualifies, it’s important to identify unequal treatment compared to others and connect it to a protected category under Michigan or federal law. An employment law attorney can help assess whether your situation meets the legal standards for a discrimination claim.
What should I do if I believe I’m experiencing workplace discrimination?
Start by documenting each incident in detail, including dates, witnesses, and communications. Review your employer’s internal complaint procedures – you may need to report the behavior to human resources or a supervisor. Keep copies of any complaints you submit and responses you receive. You can also file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR). Avoid quitting before seeking legal advice, as doing so can affect your claim. Your attorney can review your documentation, explain your rights, and help determine the best next step for your situation.
How long do I have to file a workplace discrimination claim?
You generally must file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) within 180 days after the alleged discriminatory act. If the claim also falls under Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) jurisdiction (for example, under Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964), you may have up to 300 days to file with either agency. If you file a case directly in state court more than 180 days after the act, MDCR may lack jurisdiction, and you must ensure your timing fits the law.
Can my employer retaliate if I file a discrimination complaint?
It’s illegal under both Michigan and federal law for an employer to retaliate against you for filing a workplace discrimination complaint or participating in an investigation. Retaliation can include actions such as demoting you, reducing your hours, or terminating your employment. If you suspect retaliation, document all changes in your employment and consult a lawyer to protect your rights.
Do I need a lawyer to file a discrimination claim?
Although you aren’t legally required to have a lawyer, securing skilled legal guidance can be valuable when you wish to file a workplace discrimination claim. The complaint process with the MDCR or the EEOC involves strict deadlines and specific evidence requirements, and an experienced lawyer can help you at every stage. They’ll gather supporting documentation for your claim and handle communications with investigators or your employer. Having representation can significantly bolster your ability to present a clear, thorough, and timely claim.
What compensation can I receive if my workplace discrimination claim is successful?
If you win your workplace discrimination case, you may recover compensation for lost wages and benefits and emotional distress. In some cases, the court may award punitive damages. The outcome ultimately depends on the type and severity of discrimination, the nature and extent of the harm you suffered, and whether reinstatement or policy changes are appropriate. Every workplace discrimination case is different, so consider reaching out to a Michigan employment law attorney to evaluate potential compensation based on your evidence and the remedies available under state and federal law.
“In the Midst of Chaos, There is Also Opportunity.”
– Sun Tzu