Both state and federal laws make it illegal to discriminate against anyone based on their gender. Employers must protect their workers’ rights and take affirmative action when sex discrimination is identified. While many employers encourage a safe working environment, some do not follow through on preventing gender-based discrimination in the workplace.
If you’ve been abused or discriminated against at work because of your gender, you should seek the advice of a local attorney. Our St. Louis gender discrimination lawyers could help you hold you boss accountable for their behavior or lack of action.
Gender discrimination, commonly referred to as sex discrimination, is when a worker is treated unfairly because of their gender. Under the Missouri Revisor of Statutes Title 12 §213.055, gender discrimination by an employer is illegal and equivalent to sexual harassment.
Common examples of gender-based discrimination in St. Louis workplaces include:
Without the assistance of an experienced attorney, patterns of gender discrimination in the workplace can be especially difficult to prove.
In Missouri, fair pay for equal work is the law. Employers in and around St. Louis must compensate workers equally regardless of gender. Pay differentials are only allowed based on seniority, merit, quantity or standard of production, or other qualifying factors.
Cases involving unequal payment based on sex can be extremely complex. A knowledgeable lawyer could help you file a claim for gender discrimination and build a strong case for damages on your behalf.
Those who experience gender discrimination at work may file a formal complaint through the Missouri Commission on Human Rights. However, this complaint must be filed within 180 days of the incident of sex discrimination to preserve a worker’s right to sue their employer in civil court, under RSMo Title 12 §213.111.
The court may award several remedies depending on the nature of the discriminatory behavior, but there are some limitations on the amount of recoverable damages in gender discrimination cases. The size of the business, measured by the number of workers, determines the recovery limits for workers who have experienced sex discrimination.
Example of available legal remedies include a permanent or temporary injunction, a temporary restraining order, real and punitive damages, legal expenses, and attorneys’ fees. The best way to maximize your recovery is to let a seasoned St. Louis lawyer handle your gender discrimination case.
Sex discrimination cases are often intricate and difficult to prove. The time limits on your right to file complaints of discrimination and civil lawsuits make it imperative to build your case quickly and efficiently. Call our office today to schedule a consultation with a well-versed St. Louis gender discrimination lawyer.
