Massachusetts and Federal law prohibit employers from discriminating against employees and applicants based on their race or color. (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964).
Like many of the clients that we have successfully helped to secure relief and financial compensation, you may be a victim of unlawful race discrimination or color discrimination, if an employer has taken an adverse employment action against you because of your race or color.
Examples:
- refusing to hire you
- refusing to promote you
- imposing discipline on you
- assigning undesirable work to you
- giving you unjustified evaluation scores
- paying you lower wages or giving you unequal benefits
- denying you admission to a place of public accommodation
- doing things to make it more difficult for you to do your job
- subjecting you to workplace harassment or a hostile environment
- terminating, discharging, or laying you off (wrongful termination)
- discriminating against you in any other term or condition of employment
As a victim of unlawful race or color discrimination you may be entitled to various relief, including retroactive reinstatement into your position; promotion; payment for lost wages, benefits & seniority; plus payment for emotional distress damages, medical expenses, medical insurance, attorney's fees/costs and punitive damages.
Waiver of Rights:
Many employees are asked to sign a severance agreement or other document, often called a "General Release" or "Waiver of Rights" or "Release of Rights". If valid, the employee's signature of such an agreement may have the effect of releasing the employer from all legal claims based upon prior events (except those which, by law, cannot be released) and may give up the employee's right to bring legal action or recover damages for any illegal discrimination or other unlawful acts of their employer, which may have occurred previously or as a basis for the termination.
The employment lawyers at Lowrie & Andrew Attorneys at Law are experienced in reviewing these types of agreements and are available to advise you as to your rights, and available courses of action, if you have been asked to sign or have already signed such an agreement.
Our experienced discrimination lawyers are available to help protect your rights and fight back against the unjust actions of your employer. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.