Age discrimination can become a reality for workers as they get older. Individuals 40 years old and over are most affected by this kind of discrimination.
If you have experienced unfair or negative treatment at work or in the job search process, there are laws in place to protect you. Reach out to an Atlanta age discrimination lawyer for help. At Feldman Legal Group, we can determine the strength of your workplace discrimination claim through a case evaluation. Take the first step in holding employers who discriminate against people because of their age accountable by calling us today.
What is Age Discrimination?
An employer engages in age discrimination by treating an employee or job applicant negatively because they are aged 40 or older. Employers doing this may see individuals over 40 as less adaptable and less tech-savvy. Another possible reason is because their experience requires an employer to pay them a higher salary or wage.
Some examples of age discrimination at work include:
- An employer refusing to hire or promote an individual because of their age
- An employee being laid off or fired because of their age
- An employee enduring harassment about their age
- An employer denying benefits, training, or desirable assignments to older employees
An attorney in Atlanta could determine whether a situation is age discrimination.
Laws Prohibiting Age Discrimination
While it is frustrating that age discrimination happens, several laws protect workers and provide a legal path toward a remedy.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) offers federal protection from age discrimination at work to employees who are at least 40 years old. Employers with at least 20 employees are required to comply. The law lists several discriminatory behaviors that an employer may not engage in, such as refusing to hire, limiting or segregating employees, and reducing an employee’s wage. Employers may not consider age as a factor in hiring.
The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990 amended the ADEA; it specifically addresses benefits, and its purpose is to make sure older employees are not denied benefits because of their age. For example, the law protects workers against unjust conduct like an employer pressuring an older employee to waive their legal rights in severance agreements or older employers being required to pay higher insurance premiums because of their age.
Georgia Age Discrimination in Employment Act (GADEA), found in Georgia Code § 34-1-2, is similar to the federal ADEA, but has some differences. It is more broadly written and aims to protect workers between the ages of 40-70.
How A Lawyer Can Help After Age Discrimination
Whether you were denied a job, promotion, or benefits, endured harassment, or were wrongfully terminated, hiring a skilled lawyer is a great first step.
We care about our clients and guide them through the legal process, explaining all options and ensuring procedures are followed. Legal representation with Feldman Legal Group offers thorough evaluation, filing charges of discrimination through the EEOC, negotiating with the employer, and going to trial if it comes to that. Age discrimination may be difficult to prove, but our Atlanta lawyers understand the law well. Our team is ready to fight tirelessly for you to get justice.
Talk to Our Atlanta Attorneys About Age Discrimination Claims
Every person deserves respect and equal treatment in the workplace, regardless of their age. Talking to an Atlanta age discrimination lawyer about what happened at work, whether a single incident or negative treatment over a period of time, can be helpful in determining if you experienced age discrimination.
Contact us at Feldman Legal Group for an evaluation. You deserve a fair resolution and we could help you get it while also empowering you to reclaim your career. We have a winning track record because we are passionate, aggressive, and not afraid to go up against discriminating employers in court.
(877) 946-8293