It's important to stand up for your rights if you feel that you were unfairly let go from a job by an employer because of your age.
Unfortunately, age discrimination is increasingly common in the working world. If you've lost a job because of your age, you should do the following five things to prepare to file an age discrimination lawsuit.
Make a record of events involving discrimination leading up to your decision to file suit
As soon as you feel your employer is discriminating against you because of your age, you should start collecting evidence to show it. Record any statements your employer has made to you regarding your age and your future with the company. It's best if you have witnesses available to back up the assertion that your employer has made discriminating remarks or discussed terminating your employment because of your age.
Get in touch with a lawyer that offers services in employment law and age discrimination lawsuits
A lawyer with experience in employment law will be important in determining whether or not you have a strong case against your employer. You need to find an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after you've left your job. This way, you'll be able to get started formulating your case immediately and won't risk missing any statute of limitations deadline for your lawsuit.
Familiarize yourself with pertinent rules in your area
When meeting with a lawyer, you need to learn about how age discrimination rules work in your particular state and locality. Laws and rules can differ significantly by municipality. The bureaus that are responsible for stipulating employment laws and procedures in each area are known as Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAs). You should learn about the FEPA responsible for enforcing rules in your area and determine if your employer has violated the rules.
Show any documentation to your lawyer that you signed before being let go
Your lawyer will need to know the details about your termination of employment as part of evaluating your case. Bring copies of any forms you were asked to sign to your first meeting with your lawyer if possible. Also, you should bring along documentation showing the details of any severance package you were offered.
Prepare a complaint with your lawyer to file with the EEOC
The next step to go through in preparation for filing your lawsuit is filing a case with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC must evaluate your complaint and determine whether or not to give you the right to file your lawsuit in federal court. Filing a complaint with the EEOC is, therefore, a necessary step in filing suit over an age discrimination issue.
Learn more from a law firm such as Shegerian & Associates, Inc.
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