Federal employees are particularly susceptible to workplace discrimination. Unlike their private sector counterparts that can escape from a hostile work environment by changing employers, federal employees are often “stuck” working at a particular government facility. Those that try to leave the federal sector have a difficult transition because their skills aren’t transferrable. Therefore, many federal employees feel that they must “grin and bear” it until they’re eligible for retirement. That sentiment is understandable. But, it’s also wrong. If you’re a federal employee that’s suffering from a discriminatory work environment, contact an Atlanta federal employee discrimination lawyer.
The Atlanta employment dispute lawyers at Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers are one of the few law firms in Atlanta that represent federal employees. We believe that every employee deserves justice.
Call us today at (404) 939-9470, or reach out through our online contact form to schedule a free case review with an Atlanta federal employee discrimination lawyer.
How Can An Atlanta Federal Employee Discrimination Lawyer Help Me?
Federal employees have special rights. However, you must act quickly to preserve those rights. For instance, you must contact an EEO counselor within 45 calendar days if you’ve suffered any of the following types of discrimination:
- race or color discrimination
- religious discrimination
- gender discrimination
- age discrimination
- disability discrimination
- reprisal for engaging in prior EEO activities
You should call an Atlanta federal employee discrimination lawyer before contacting an EEO counselor. Your lawyer will identify your strongest claims and make sure that you properly plead them in your complaint. That way, your claims will have a better chance to survive a potential dismissal motion.
An EEO counselor will investigate your complaint. Next, the EEO counselor will prepare a Report of Investigation (ROI). Then, once the ROI is complete, you can request a hearing with an EEO administrative judge. Finally, your lawyer will present evidence at the hearing to prove your claims. If the administrative judge rules in your favor, you can recover compensation for the harms you’ve suffered.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
Your Atlanta federal employee discrimination lawyer can help you recover the following damages:
- Lost back pay: back pay covers wages, salary, or benefits that you lost as a result of discrimination.
- Lost front pay: In some cases, your employer’s harmful acts inhibit your ability to compete for comparable positions. Front pay can help cover your wages, salary or benefits while you try to secure new employment.
- Compensatory damages: are available to complainants that prevail on claims of intentional discrimination under Title VII or the Rehabilitation Act. 42 U.S.C. § 1981a(b). Compensatory damage awards are capped at $300,000.00. There are three types of compensatory damages:
- Past pecuniary damages. These are out-of-pocket expenses that the complainant has incurred as a result of the discrimination. Past pecuniary damages include such things as job-hunting expenses, moving expenses, medical expenses, and other quantifiable out-of-pocket expenses.
- Future pecuniary damages. These are losses that are likely to occur after resolution of the complaint as a result of the discrimination. Future pecuniary damages include such things as future medical expenses and compensation for loss of earning potential.
- Non-pecuniary damages. These are compensation for losses that cannot be precisely quantified that occur as a result of the discrimination. Non-pecuniary damages include such things as pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of reputation. Non-pecuniary damages are not intended to punish the employer for engaging in discrimination—even though the Civil Rights Act of 1991 has a punitive damages provision, it does not apply to federal agencies.
- Attorneys’ fees and costs can also usually be recovered.
Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers Can Help
Many employment attorneys don’t represent federal employees because federal employee discrimination cases are often more challenging to win than private sector discrimination cases. At Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers, we’re not afraid to litigate a difficult case. We also enjoy working with clients that are motivated by principle.
Call us today at (404) 939-9470, or reach out through our online contact form to schedule a free case review with an Atlanta federal employee discrimination lawyer.
