Age discrimination can affect every stage of employment, from hiring and promotions to layoffs and termination. If you were denied a job, passed over for advancement, fired, or otherwise treated unfairly because of your age in Weymouth Township, NJ, Castronovo & McKinney, LLC can help you protect your rights.
Our employment attorneys represent employees in age discrimination claims throughout New Jersey. We know how employers attempt to justify unlawful decisions and understand how to uncover evidence that age played a role. Whether your case is resolved through negotiation or litigation, we work to hold employers accountable and pursue the compensation and relief you deserve.
Legal Protections Against Age Discrimination
Federal and New Jersey laws prohibit employers from making employment decisions based on age.
Federal Law (ADEA): The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects employees and job applicants who are 40 years of age or older. It applies to employers with 20 or more employees and prohibits age discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, layoffs, and other terms and conditions of employment. The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act also safeguards older employees from unfair reductions in benefits.
New Jersey Law (LAD): The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) provides broader protections by applying to employers of all sizes. It prohibits age discrimination in hiring, termination, promotions, compensation, and other employment practices, protecting workers between the ages of 18 and 70.
Both federal and state laws also prohibit harassment based on age when it creates a hostile work environment or negatively affects an employee’s working conditions.
Common Signs of Age Discrimination in Weymouth Township
Age discrimination is not always obvious. Employers may attempt to conceal unlawful conduct behind business decisions or company policies. Examples of age discrimination include:
- Hiring younger candidates over more qualified older applicants
- Selecting older employees for layoffs while retaining younger workers
- Denying promotions, training, or advancement opportunities because of age
- Excluding older employees from meetings, projects, or leadership roles
- Pressuring employees to retire earlier than planned
- Replacing experienced employees with significantly younger workers
Employers may claim a layoff resulted from restructuring, budget cuts, or reduced workloads, but those explanations do not automatically make the decision lawful. If age influenced the decision, the employer may have violated state or federal law.
Example of Hidden Age Discrimination
Age discrimination is often disguised as a legitimate business decision. In one case, Robert Braden was terminated during what his employer described as a reduction in force because there was allegedly no work available. Within a year, however, the employer hired someone to fill the same position. Cases like this demonstrate why it is important to investigate the true reasons behind an employer’s actions.
How Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Can Help
If you believe you were subjected to age discrimination in Weymouth Township, our attorneys will:
- Review the facts of your case and explain your legal rights
- Determine whether your employer violated federal or New Jersey law
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate for a fair settlement when appropriate
- Represent you in court if litigation is necessary
We represent employees throughout New Jersey, including those in Weymouth Township, who have experienced unlawful age discrimination in the workplace.
Contact Our Weymouth Township Age Discrimination Lawyers
If you believe your employer treated you unfairly because of your age, you do not have to handle the situation alone. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC represents employees in Weymouth Township, NJ, and throughout New Jersey in age discrimination claims. Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help protect your rights.
