Best Job Discrimination Lawyers in Portland

About Job Discrimination Law in Portland, United States:

Job discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of an individual in the workplace based on certain characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. In Portland, United States, there are laws in place to protect employees from discrimination and provide legal remedies for those who have been discriminated against.

Why You May Need a Lawyer:

You may need a lawyer if you believe you have been a victim of job discrimination. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence to support your claim, and navigate the legal process to seek justice for the discrimination you have faced.

Local Laws Overview:

In Portland, Oregon, the Oregon Equality Act prohibits discrimination in employment based on various protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and gender identity. The law applies to both public and private employers with one or more employees.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What are some examples of job discrimination?

A: Some examples of job discrimination include being passed over for a promotion based on your race, being harassed in the workplace because of your religion, or being denied a job because of your age.

Q: How do I prove job discrimination?

A: To prove job discrimination, you will need to show that you were treated differently than others in similar situations because of a protected characteristic, and that this different treatment was a factor in the adverse employment action you experienced.

Q: Can I file a discrimination claim with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries?

A: Yes, you can file a discrimination claim with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) if you believe you have been discriminated against in the workplace. BOLI will investigate your claim and may take legal action on your behalf.

Q: How long do I have to file a discrimination claim in Portland?

A: In Portland, you generally have one year from the date of the discriminatory act to file a discrimination claim with BOLI or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Q: Can I be fired for filing a discrimination claim?

A: It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing a discrimination claim. If you believe you have been retaliated against, you may have additional legal claims against your employer.

Q: What damages can I recover in a job discrimination lawsuit?

A: If you prevail in a job discrimination lawsuit, you may be entitled to back pay, front pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, and attorney's fees and costs.

Q: Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a discrimination case?

A: Hiring a lawyer for a discrimination case can greatly increase your chances of success. A lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process, gather evidence to support your claim, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Q: Are there free legal resources available for job discrimination cases?

A: There are several organizations in Portland that provide free or low-cost legal assistance for individuals facing job discrimination, such as Legal Aid Services of Oregon and the Oregon State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service.

Q: How long does a job discrimination case typically take to resolve?

A: The timeline for resolving a job discrimination case can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to negotiate a settlement, and the backlog of cases in the court system. In general, it can take several months to several years to resolve a job discrimination case.

Q: Can I settle a job discrimination case out of court?

A: Yes, many job discrimination cases are resolved through settlement negotiations between the parties. A lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement that reflects the harm you have suffered due to the discrimination you experienced.

Additional Resources:

For more information on job discrimination laws in Portland, you can visit the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries website at www.oregon.gov/BOLI. You can also contact the Oregon State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 452-7636 for assistance in finding a lawyer to represent you in a job discrimination case.

Next Steps:

If you believe you have been a victim of job discrimination in Portland, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Contact a lawyer who specializes in employment law to discuss your rights and options for pursuing justice for the discrimination you have faced.