Federal and state laws protect workers from discrimination based on national origin. In Hammonton, NJ, employees still face unfair treatment tied to ethnicity, ancestry, or perceived ethnic background. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC focuses exclusively on employment law and represents individuals who have experienced this type of discrimination. Our attorneys have a proven record of protecting workers’ rights and holding employers accountable. Contact us to speak with an experienced national origin discrimination lawyer.
Legal Protections Against National Origin Discrimination
Workers in Hammonton are protected by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). These laws prohibit discrimination in hiring, pay, promotions, training, and termination. They also ban harassment, such as offensive comments or actions that create a hostile work environment. If you have been treated unfairly due to your national origin, you have the right to legal representation and compensation.
Forms of National Origin Discrimination
- Country or Place of Origin: Employers cannot discriminate because of your origin or ancestry, including if you are a refugee or from an unrecognized region.
- National Origin Group: Discrimination against a group with shared cultural traits, ancestry, or language is illegal.
- Perceived Ethnicity: Employers cannot act against you based on assumptions about your ethnicity.
- Affiliation: Treating someone unfairly because of their association with a person of a particular origin is prohibited.
Common Examples
National origin discrimination may include:
- Refusing to hire qualified applicants with foreign accents.
- Derogatory comments about a worker’s background.
- Imposing unnecessary English-only rules.
- Demanding additional documents only from non-Caucasian applicants.
- Excluding employees from client contact because of their accent.
Employers sometimes disguise discriminatory practices behind “neutral” policies. If those policies disproportionately affect workers of certain origins without a valid business reason, they may be illegal.
How Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Can Help
Our attorneys handle every stage of a discrimination claim, including:
- Investigating the facts of your case.
- Interviewing coworkers, managers, and supervisors.
- Collecting records and communications.
- Reviewing employer history of discrimination.
- Managing negotiations with the employer’s attorneys.
We aim to resolve claims through negotiation but are prepared to file a lawsuit if necessary to secure justice.
Possible Compensation
If you succeed in a discrimination claim, you may recover:
- Back pay and future lost wages.
- Lost benefits such as health insurance and vacation pay.
- Damages for emotional distress and suffering.
- Attorney fees and court costs.
Courts may also require employers to change discriminatory policies and train supervisors on preventing harassment.
Take Action
You do not have to accept workplace discrimination. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC can help you hold your employer accountable. Contact our Hammonton, NJ office today to begin your claim with a dedicated employment discrimination attorney.