Every day, people find themselves discriminated against, wrongfully terminated, or retaliated against for reporting wrongdoing in the workplace. In some cases, people will simply move on and try to get another job elsewhere, but as you may know, instances of discrimination (especially when discrimination results in wrongful termination) can make it difficult to get another job without a solid reference from the discriminating employer. Furthermore, discrimination and other types of workplace misconduct are just downright unethical and shameful and deserve to be reported. That said, if you’re looking to file a claim either with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Virginia Office of Civil Rights (VOCR), you may wonder whether you’ll need a lawyer to do so. Read on to learn more.
Should I hire a lawyer to help me file my claim with the EEOC or VOCR?
In short, the answer is yes. Though technically, you can file a discrimination, wrongful termination, or retaliation-based claim on your own, it is not the wisest option to do so. By hiring a Chesterfield County employment discrimination lawyer, you’ll have a legal advocate in your corner who is familiar with the process, can file your claim properly and on time, and can help you gather and present all relevant evidence to help you prove the validity of your claim.
Over the years, Attorney Mark Passero, of Passero Employment Law, has handled countless discrimination-related claims and has attained positive results for a multitude of clients. With our firm in your corner, you can have peace of mind, knowing your case is in good hands.
How long do I have to file a discrimination claim in Virginia?
The deadline for filing a discrimination claim in the state of Virginia can vary, depending on the circumstances of the instance of discrimination, as well as whether you file your claim with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Virginia Office of Civil Rights.
That said, in either case, you’ll only have a matter of months to file your claim, so it is best to bring your case to the attention of a seasoned employment attorney as soon as you can. If the statute of limitations expires, you will permanently lose your right to sue.
If you would like to learn more about filing a discrimination claim in Virginia, or you believe you may have a valid claim and wish to pursue damages, please do not hesitate to contact Passero Employment Law for assistance today.
