Your Employment Rights Under New Jersey Discrimination Law
In Woodbridge Township, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants based on specific characteristics. This law applies to all employers, regardless of size, and covers a range of protected characteristics:
- Race
- Religious creed
- Color
- National origin
- Physical or mental disability
- Age
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Nationality
- Ancestry
- Marital status
- AIDS or HIV status
- Genetic information
- Military service
- Gender Identity
Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms, such as refusal to hire, wrongful termination, or biased treatment in compensation and other employment benefits. If you’re in Woodbridge Township and facing discrimination based on any of these protected statuses, our experienced New Jersey employment discrimination attorneys are ready to support your case. Contacting us promptly ensures we can begin advocating for your rights effectively.
Types of New Jersey Workplace Discrimination Claims Our Firm Handles
Workplace discrimination in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, encompasses any unequal treatment in various employment stages, not just hiring and firing. If you can demonstrate that discriminatory actions, comments, or conduct occurred at any point in your employment, you may have a valid claim. New Jersey law forbids discrimination in all employment aspects. Notably, in New Jersey, unlike federal claims, you can directly file a lawsuit in state court without first filing a claim with the NJ Division of Civil Rights (DCR). Our employment discrimination lawyers are committed to defending your rights and ensuring fair treatment, both in and out of court.
In Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, employers cannot discriminate against job applicants during any stage of the hiring process, including recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and promotion. Essentially, every candidate with similar qualifications should receive equal consideration for employment opportunities.
Under the Law Against Discrimination (LAD), employers in Woodbridge Township are prohibited from basing pay scales solely on protected characteristics. While there are valid reasons for differences in compensation, widespread pay disparities within a company, especially among employees sharing the same protected class such as sex or race, could lead to legal action.
Employment benefits, such as paid time off, health insurance, employee discounts, and expense accounts, must be distributed based on job level rather than individual characteristics. This ensures equity across all employees at each level. Similarly, training programs should be equally accessible to all employees within the same job level, regardless of their class or category. This approach ensures that no group is unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged based on personal attributes.
New Jersey’s at-will employment law allows either employers or employees to end their working relationship at any time for any reason, or even for no reason. However, employers do not have the right to terminate employees for discriminatory reasons, as this is illegal. Additionally, if severance pay is provided, it must be offered equally, without discrimination based on any protected characteristic.
Why Choose Castronovo & McKinney to
Handle Your Workplace Claim
At Castronovo & McKinney, we provide our clients with sound advice and guidance, helping them navigate the complexities of legal action against employers. Our team is committed to supporting you at every stage, ensuring the protection of your livelihood and reputation, particularly in cases of employment discrimination. We also assist businesses in defending against baseless claims and in implementing policies to prevent harmful workplace practices. Our lawyers, skilled in both administrative and court proceedings, focus on settling disputes through negotiation but are fully prepared for trial to achieve the best outcomes for our clients. Our primary goal is to serve your best interests and secure a positive resolution, be it through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation.
Recoverable Damages in a New Jersey Employment Discrimination Claim
Each employment discrimination claim is unique, but possible damages include back wages, front pay, lost benefits like health and retirement plans, bonus payments, compensation for pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Additionally, you may recover attorneys’ fees and court costs. Equitable remedies, such as reinstatement, might also be awarded. Given the complexities involved in these cases, enlisting the aid of a dedicated employment lawyer is advisable.
Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Workplace Discrimination Attorneys
If you suspect you’ve faced workplace discrimination or if your business is contending with an unfounded claim, Castronovo & McKinney, LLC offers strong legal representation. Contact us for a consultation. We assist with workplace discrimination claims across New Jersey including Woodbridge Township NJ.
