Workplace discrimination can mean a lot of different things to Colorado workers. State and federal anti-discrimination laws exist to protect workers at every level from unwanted or unwelcome behavior that interferes with their health, productivity, or safety in the workplace. As a member of the workforce, you must understand workplace discrimination in Colorado and how to protect yourself in the event of a legal case.
Fortunately, you don’t have to do anything on your own. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you hire a workplace discrimination lawyer as soon as possible. A Colorado employment attorney can help you navigate complex workplace discrimination cases in and out of the courtroom. Even so, it’s helpful to understand Colorado workplace discrimination laws for yourself, too.
Workplace Discrimination in Colorado
Under Colorado law and federal law alike, it is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees based on protected characteristics. For example, it is illegal under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) for employers to discriminate against individuals based on age, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects individuals from discrimination in general.
Colorado also has its own workplace discrimination laws at the state level called the Anti-Discrimination Act. Colorado workers are protected from discriminatory practices, but that doesn’t mean incidents don’t still occur. In 2020 alone, workplace discrimination claims accounted for a third of all employment disputes. The industries that employ the most workers in Colorado include:
- Corrections with 5,880 employees
- Human services with 4,894 employees
- Transportation with 3,183 employees
- Higher education with 2,539 employees
- Public safety with 2,208 employees
No matter what industry you work in, it’s important that you understand Colorado workplace discrimination laws and how they pertain to your case. If you’re experiencing a legal issue in the workplace, you must know your rights and understand your legal options through every stage of the process. Regardless of the details of the case, it’s helpful to hire a workplace discrimination lawyer who has experience working on cases like yours.
Navigating Workplace Discrimination Cases in Colorado
Colorado workplace discrimination cases can be difficult to navigate, especially if your employer is not willing to cooperate with you through the case. The good news is you don’t have to go up against your boss on your own. It’s recommended that you hire a workplace discrimination lawyer in Colorado to represent your interests and protect your rights in and out of the courtroom.
Under Colorado law, you have 300 days from the date of the last alleged discriminatory or unlawful act to open a workplace discrimination case against an employer. If you don’t file within the statute of limitations, you may forfeit your right to pursue legal action against them. There are many different scenarios that can result in a workplace discrimination case.
It’s recommended that you secure legal representation from a Colorado employment lawyer as soon as possible if you suspect you have a case.
FAQs
What Types of Cases Can a Colorado Workplace Discrimination Attorney Help With?
The types of cases a Colorado workplace discrimination attorney can help with span many areas of employment law, including discrimination based on age, disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, or sex. Common types of Colorado workplace discrimination cases may involve:
- Mandatory breaks
- Medical leave
- Paid sick leave
- Protected time off for family issues
- Securing final pay if you’re fired
- Statewide minimum wage and overtime
- Workplace injury claims
How Do I Prove I’m Being Discriminated Against at Work in Colorado?
How you prove you’re being discriminated against at work in Colorado depends on the details of the situation. Begin documenting relevant communications with your employer as soon as you decide to open a workplace discrimination case. Helpful evidence in these types of cases includes:
- Comparative evidence
- Detailed notes and personal log
- Digital correspondence
- Performance records
- Witness testimonies
A Colorado workplace discrimination attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to support your case.
Do I Have to Go to Court to Settle a Workplace Discrimination Case in Colorado?
No, you do not have to go to court to settle a workplace discrimination case in Colorado. In fact, most employment law matters must go through an administrative process through the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) for state-level cases or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for federal ones.
If the case does go to court, you can expect to handle matters through Colorado state or federal district courts, depending on the scope of the case.
Can My Employer Fire Me for Reporting Workplace Discrimination in Colorado?
No, your employer technically cannot fire you for reporting workplace discrimination in Colorado. That said, Colorado is an at-will employment state, which means employers don’t need a reason to fire a worker under state law.
You must successfully establish that your employer fired you because of your protected actions to prove wrongful termination and illegal retaliation. This can be challenging as employers can claim they are firing the employee for a different reason.
Hire a Workplace Discrimination Lawyer in Colorado to Discuss Your Legal Options Today
Navigating a workplace discrimination case can be complicated. It’s recommended that you hire an employment lawyer who has experience navigating cases like yours. For over nine decades, King Employment Law has been supporting individuals throughout complex Colorado workplace discrimination cases. We’re proud to be the state’s award-winning employment and civil rights law firm.
Led by Attorney Diane King, our skilled attorneys and support staff are dedicated to empowering workers and helping them protect their rights in and out of the courtroom. Our team has experience representing low-wage employees, high-wage executives, and everyone in between in various cases, including:
- Breaches of contract
- Employment discrimination
- Unpaid wages
- Whistleblowing retaliation
- Wrongful termination
We know how to secure fair back pay, severance pay, unpaid wages, and any other compensation they are owed by their employers. If you want to talk to a lawyer about your situation, look no further than King Employment Law. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with a member of our team to get started on your legal strategy today. We’re conveniently located in Denver near I-25, I-70, and I-270.
