Burlington County Workplace Discrimination Lawyer

The vibrant communities and diverse economic landscape of Burlington County —from the military presence at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to the bustling retail centers and healthcare facilities—rely on a strong, fair workforce. Unfortunately, even in this progressive region, employees can face illegal workplace discrimination based on protected characteristics like race, sex, age, or disability. If you have been the victim of unfair treatment, harassment, or an adverse employment action by your employer, you have powerful rights under New Jersey law. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to protecting the workers of Burlington County and holding employers accountable for unlawful conduct. Do not let fear silence you. Contact us today for a confidential, free consultation with a top-tier New Jersey employment lawyer to understand your rights and begin your fight for justice. Call us now.

Your Legal Shield: The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD)

Workplace discrimination is defined as the unfair treatment of an individual based on a legally protected characteristic. In New Jersey, the primary legal defense against this injustice is the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). The LAD is one of the nation’s strongest anti-discrimination statutes, prohibiting discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, and compensation.

We handle the full spectrum of discrimination claims, including those based on:

  • Race and Color: Unfavorable treatment due to a person’s race, skin color, or associated traits.
  • Sex and Gender: Discrimination based on sex, gender identity, or gender expression, including sexual harassment and unequal pay.
  • Age: Protecting workers aged 40 and older from being overlooked or terminated due to age-based bias.
  • Disability: Discrimination against a qualified individual with a physical or mental disability, including failure to provide reasonable accommodations.
  • Sexual Orientation: Protecting individuals from unfair treatment based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
  • Pregnancy: Unfavorable treatment of a woman due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
  • Religion: Discrimination based on an employee’s religious beliefs or lack thereof.

Proving Your Claim: Connecting Bias to Adverse Action

To successfully pursue a workplace discrimination claim, we must establish a clear link between the employer’s discriminatory motive (animus) and the negative employment action (adverse action) you experienced. An adverse action can be a wrongful termination, demotion, or denial of a raise or promotion.

Our firm conducts a comprehensive investigation tailored to the specific context of Burlington County’s major employers. We meticulously gather and analyze evidence, which may include:

  • Direct Evidence: Explicit statements or actions that clearly demonstrate bias.
  • Circumstantial Evidence: Showing that similarly situated employees who do not share your protected characteristic were treated more favorably.

We are prepared to challenge the employer’s stated reasons for the adverse action, often revealing them to be a pretext for illegal discrimination.

Protection Against Retaliation

The LAD strongly protects an employee’s right to speak out against discrimination without fear of punishment. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against any employee who files a complaint, reports discriminatory conduct, or assists in an investigation. If you reported discrimination and subsequently faced a negative consequence—such as a demotion or termination—you may have a separate and powerful claim for unlawful retaliation. Our firm acts quickly to protect clients who have been victims of this illegal conduct.

Frequently Asked Questions about Workplace Discrimination in Burlington County

Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a discrimination claim in New Jersey?

A: You generally have two years from the date of the last discriminatory act to file a lawsuit under the LAD. However, the deadline for filing an administrative complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) is 180 days. Immediate consultation with an attorney is crucial.

Q: Does the LAD protect me if I am an independent contractor in Burlington County?

A: The LAD primarily protects employees. However, the definition of “employee” can be broad, and courts look at the substance of the working relationship. If you are misclassified as an independent contractor but function essentially as an employee, you may still be protected.

Q: Given the large number of public sector jobs (e.g., Joint Base, schools) in Burlington County, does the LAD apply to government employers?

A: Yes, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination applies to both private and public employers, including state, county, and municipal governments, as well as educational institutions. Public employees in Burlington County have the same robust protections as private sector workers.

Q: What kind of compensation can I recover in a successful discrimination case?

A: Compensation can include back pay (lost wages and benefits), front pay (future lost earnings), emotional distress damages, and, in some cases, punitive damages. The employer may also be required to pay your attorney’s fees and costs.

Take the Next Step Toward Justice

Experiencing workplace discrimination is a violation of your dignity and your rights, and it can have a devastating impact on your career and personal life. Our firm is committed to providing the aggressive, compassionate legal representation necessary to secure the justice and full compensation you deserve. We will handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery and future. Do not hesitate to seek the legal protection you need. The time to act is now. Contact our Burlington County workplace discrimination lawyer immediately for a confidential case evaluation. We are ready to fight for you. Visit our homepage to learn more about our commitment to New Jersey workers.