There are many different types of discrimination. Put simply, you cannot be treated differently because of your nationality, race, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, etc.
If you believe that you have been treated unfairly or differently because you fall under any of these categories listed above, you may be the victim of discrimination.
Discrimination comes in many different forms, including sexual harassment, refusing to promote you in your job even though you are qualified, refusing to rent you an apartment, and retaliating against you for asserting a legal right.
Should you consider litigation?If you feel you have been discriminated against, and have not been able to work things out, you may want to consider a lawsuit.
KAZAROSIAN COSTELLO may be able to clarify what your rights are and what kinds of remedies are available to you. We have years of experience to guide you in making the right decision.
Generally speaking, an action in Massachusetts must be commenced within 300 days of the time that a person believed that he or she was being discriminated against. In New Hampshire, the time frame is even shorter – 180 days. This is governed by each state’s statute of limitations.
Who can be held responsible for discrimination against you?Your employer, your supervisor, or your co-worker can be held responsible for discriminating against you. A landlord or potential landlord can be held responsible for refusing to provide you certain accommodations, or for refusing to rent you an apartment. A restaurant, bar, or hotel owner or worker can also be held liable for discrimination if they treat you unfairly due solely to your gender, race, etc.
If you believe that you have been treated differently solely due to your disability, gender, sexual orientation, or any of the classes protected by the Statute described above, you may be the victim of actionable discrimination.
You can. There is no requirement that you have an attorney at any time in a discrimination suit. It is important to know that since Discrimination cases are cases that involve civil rights violations, the anti-discrimination statutes provide that a successful plaintiff apply for and may be awarded his or her reasonable attorneys fees and costs incurred in litigating the action. Further, no one other than a lawyer may represent you in a court of law.
