Experienced Gender-Based Discrimination Lawyers Serving West Chester

Experiencing unfair treatment in the workplace due to your gender can be isolating and frustrating. In severe cases, it may even put your safety and career at risk. Whether it is a missed promotion, unequal pay or persistent harassment, you have the right to seek justice and protection under Pennsylvania and federal laws.

If you are considering legal action, our gender discrimination lawyers at Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, are ready to provide you with comprehensive support. For over 15 years, we have worked tirelessly to protect the rights and futures of clients across Southeastern Pennsylvania. As former prosecutors and trial attorneys, we bring aggressive representation and strong legal acumen to your case.

Gender-Based Discrimination Can Take Many Forms

Gender-based discrimination can appear in various ways at work. In many cases, it may be clear, intentional discrimination, such as an employer:

• Denying you an opportunity or promotion despite your qualifications because of your gender
• Terminating your position due to your gender, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions
• Assigning you less desirable tasks or fewer opportunities based on gender stereotypes
• Paying you lower wages or fewer benefits than someone of a different gender performing the same job with similar responsibilities

Fostering a work environment that allows unwelcome, offensive behavior based on gender is also a form of gender-based discrimination. This can involve unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical sexual harassment. It also means offensive comments or behavior directed at an individual due to their gender identity or expression.

Filing A Gender Discrimination Claim In West Chester

If you experienced any acts outlined above, you can file a claim in two ways:

• File a claim with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC): This state agency investigates and resolves discrimination complaints. To start the process, you must file a complaint form with the PHRC within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act. The PHRC will then investigate your claim to determine if sufficient evidence exists to support it.

• File an EEOC claim: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws. You can file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC in person, by mail or online. In Pennsylvania, you generally have 300 days from the date of the discrimination to file with the EEOC.

Take note that the PHRC and EEOC have a work-sharing agreement. When you file a complaint with one agency, it automatically “dual-files” with the other. This protects your rights under both state and federal law.

If you believe that you are experiencing discrimination at work, it’s advisable to act quickly. Missing the deadlines above could mean losing your right to take legal action. Our attorneys can guide you through each step of the filing process, help you gather necessary evidence and ensure you meet all critical deadlines.

Types Of Compensation You Might Recover In A Gender Discrimination Lawsuit

If you experienced gender discrimination and won your case, you may recover compensation for the harm you suffered. This primarily covers direct financial losses, such as

• Lost wages and benefits you would have earned if discrimination had not occurred
• Front pay for future lost earnings, if returning to your job is not possible
• Lost benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions
• Costs you incurred while seeking new employment
• Expenses for medical treatment or therapy needed because of the discrimination

You may also receive compensation for the emotional and psychological distress caused by the acts of discrimination. In severe cases involving acts that were intentional or egregious, courts may award punitive damages to punish the employer and deter future misconduct. 

However, take note that the specific amount and types of compensation you can recover can vary, depending on your case’s specifics. Our gender discrimination lawyers will evaluate your losses and vigorously pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Know Your Rights: Speak With Our Attorneys Today

Have you experienced gender-based discrimination at work? It’s time to seek justice. Our attorneys at Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, will provide legal support tailored to your needs. Contact our West Chester office to schedule a consultation. Call us at 610-314-7066 or send us a message to discuss your next steps.