Workplace discrimination is illegal under Delaware and federal law, but it still remains a pervasive issue across Delaware workplaces. Employers also create a culture of silence, pressuring employees, former employees, and prospective employees to stay silent. However, you have a voice and deserve to see justice and accountability for the hardships you have faced.
Serving clients across Delaware with immense pride, the skilled employment discrimination lawyers at Schmittinger & Rodriguez have helped tens of thousands of clients like you, backed by 62 years of experience. Our team understands the profound impact that employment discrimination has, and we have made it our mission to champion for fair and equitable treatment in Delaware workplaces. Let us help you speak up, demand accountability, and see fair compensation for your suffering.
Understanding Workplace Discrimination
Workplace discrimination, also referred to as employment discrimination, occurs when an employee or prospective employee is targeted and subjected to unfair treatment based on specific protected characteristics. Employment discrimination isn’t always outright and open, and may include harassment, engaging in a pattern of unwelcoming behavior, or having an official or unofficial discriminatory workplace policy. This can manifest as hiring decisions, demotions, terminations, promotions, rate of compensation, duties, work assignments, and more.
Am I Protected from Workplace Discrimination?
Certain characteristics are inherently illegal to discriminate against in a Delaware workplace, known as protected characteristics, including:
- Race (This includes characteristics historically associated with race such as hair textures and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, or twists per the 2021 Crown Act.)
- Color
- National Origin
- Religion
- Sex
- Gender Identity
- Sexual Orientation
- Age
- Marital Status
- Pregnancy Status
- Reproductive Health Decisions
- Family Responsibilities
- Genetic Information
- Volunteer Emergency Responder Status
- Status as a Victim of Domestic Violence, Sexual Offenses, or Stalking
Delaware law also protects employees’ rights to inquire about, discuss, or disclose their wages with other employees.
Remedies for Discrimination in the Workplace
Victims of Delaware workplace discrimination have multiple avenues to seek justice under the state and federal laws upholding the right to a fair, equitable, and nondiscriminatory workplace. An experienced Delaware employment discrimination attorney can help you evaluate these options in light of the unique circumstances of your case to determine the best way to seek justice. Not only can employers be held accountable for discrimination in their workplace, but so can individual perpetrators.
Victims of workplace discrimination may be entitled to compensation for:
- Lost pay
- Lost future earnings
- Wrongful demotion or termination
- Medical expenses, such as the costs of mental health treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Attorney’s fees
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded, where the court financially punishes an employer or perpetrator of workplace discrimination for especially egregious conduct. You may also have the right to injunctive relief, where a court issues an order to stop the discriminatory practices and implement corrective action on the part of the employer.
Schedule a Consultation with a Dover Workplace Discrimination Attorney
If you or a loved one have suffered discrimination in a Delaware workplace, trust the experienced employment discrimination team at Schmittinger & Rodriguez to empower you to speak up, demand accountability, insist on change, and seek just compensation. We won’t let such egregious and unacceptable treatment go unaddressed and unpunished. With 62 years of combined experience and 45,000 clients served (and counting), our team is ready to start fighting for you today. Contact us for a free consultation.
