How to Recognize and Respond to Workplace Discrimination in West Virginia

Discrimination in the workplace is an issue that affects employees across West Virginia and the nation. At Klie Law Offices, our employment law attorneys regularly help clients navigate complex workplace discrimination claims and protect their rights under federal and West Virginia law. If you believe you have experienced discrimination at work, understanding the most common forms and your legal options can make a critical difference in your case.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly based on a protected characteristic. These characteristics are defined by federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and West Virginia state laws. Discrimination can impact hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, job assignments, training, and other terms or conditions of employment.

Learn more about your employment rights in Morgantown, Clarksburg, or Parkersburg.

The Most Common Types of Workplace Discrimination

Race Discrimination

Race discrimination happens when employees are treated differently due to their race or color. This can include offensive remarks, exclusion from opportunities, unequal pay, or being passed over for promotion because of race. If you’ve faced racial discrimination at work, you have the right to seek legal help and pursue justice.

Gender Discrimination

Gender or sex discrimination involves unfair treatment based on an individual’s sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. It can include unequal pay, lack of advancement, harassment, or wrongful termination. If you’re facing gender discrimination in West Virginia, our team can help you fight for your rights.

Age Discrimination

Workers aged 40 and over are protected from age discrimination under the ADEA. Signs of age discrimination include being passed up for promotion in favor of younger employees, unfair layoffs, or derogatory comments about age. If you suspect age was a factor in an adverse employment action, you may have grounds for a claim.

Disability Discrimination

Disability discrimination occurs when employers fail to provide reasonable accommodations or treat qualified employees differently because of a physical or mental impairment. The ADA and West Virginia Human Rights Act both protect employees against disability discrimination.

Religious Discrimination

Religious discrimination happens when employees are treated unfairly because of their religious beliefs or practices. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for religious observances unless it poses undue hardship. If you have experienced religious discrimination at work, you may have legal recourse.

Pregnancy Discrimination

Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions. If you’ve been denied reasonable accommodations, harassed, or terminated because of pregnancy, you may be entitled to pursue a pregnancy discrimination claim.

Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Federal law and West Virginia state law prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. If you have been harassed, excluded, or denied opportunities at work because of your sexual orientation, you should consult an employment discrimination attorney.

National Origin Discrimination

National origin discrimination involves treating employees or applicants unfavorably because they are from a particular country or part of the world, have an accent, or appear to be of a certain ethnic background. National origin discrimination is strictly prohibited under both federal and state law.

Workers’ Compensation Discrimination

Employers cannot retaliate or discriminate against employees for filing or planning to file a workers’ compensation claim. If you have been demoted, terminated, or otherwise mistreated for exercising your rights, you may have a case for workers’ compensation discrimination.

Related Workplace Issues: Harassment, Retaliation, and Wrongful Termination

Workplace Harassment

Harassment is a form of employment discrimination that can create a hostile work environment. This includes unwelcome conduct based on race, gender, religion, disability, or any other protected class. Workplace harassment can have severe consequences for your mental health and career.

Wrongful Termination

Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for an illegal reason, such as discrimination or retaliation for reporting unlawful practices. If you think you have been the victim of wrongful termination, Klie Law Offices can review your case and explain your legal options.

Employer Retaliation

It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for reporting discrimination, harassment, or other illegal conduct. Employer retaliation can include demotion, termination, reduced hours, or other adverse actions. If you suspect retaliation, document all incidents and contact an attorney right away.

How To Prove Discrimination In The Workplace

Proving workplace discrimination requires evidence that an adverse employment action was based on your protected characteristic. This can include:

Documentation of discriminatory comments, emails, or text messages
Performance reviews and personnel files
Comparisons to how other employees were treated in similar situations
Testimony from witnesses or colleagues

If you’re unsure where to start, visit our Employment Law FAQ or request a free case evaluation with our experienced attorneys.

Filing a Workplace Discrimination Claim in West Virginia

Filing a discrimination claim in West Virginia typically begins with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the West Virginia Human Rights Commission. Deadlines for filing are strict, and the process can be complex. Working with an experienced employment law attorney ensures your rights are protected at every step.

For questions about at-will employment, right to work, or other workplace legal issues, our attorneys are here to help.

Why Choose Klie Law Offices For Your Discrimination Case?

Klie Law Offices has a proven record of successfully representing workers throughout Buckhannon, Morgantown, Parkersburg, and Clarksburg in employment discrimination cases. Our employment lawyers are committed to providing personalized legal guidance and aggressive advocacy for each client.

If you believe you are the victim of workplace discrimination or harassment, contact Klie Law Offices for a free consultation. Let us help you protect your rights and achieve justice.