What do I do if I have been Discriminated against by my Employer?

If you believe you have been discriminated against at work because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), or disability, the first step to take is to file a Charge of Discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. All laws enforced by the EEOC, except for the Equal Pay Act, require you to file a Charge of Discrimination before you can file a job discrimination lawsuit against your employer. A Charge of Discrimination puts the EEOC on notice that a potential claim may exist and triggers their duty to review, investigate, mediate or possibly file a lawsuit related to your claims.

How do I file a charge with the EEOC?

There are 2 basic ways to file a Charge of Discrimination. You can file a charge in person by visiting any of the EEOC field offices. The Oklahoma City EEOC field office is located at 215 Dean A McGee Avenue, Suite 524. Each field office has its own procedures for appointments and walk-ins. You can also file a Charge by sending a signed letter to the EEOC including the following information:

• Your name, address and telephone number
• The name, address and telephone number of the employer you want to file the charge against
• The number of employees employed there
• A short description of the events you believe were discriminatory
• When the events took place
• Why you believe you were discriminated against

While a letter form you is sufficient, the EEOC also provides a form which includes the required information. The anti-discrimination laws give you a limited amount of time to file a charge of discrimination. In general, you need to file a charge within 180 calendar days from the day the discrimination took place. The 180 calendar day filing deadline is extended to 300 calendar days if a state or local agency enforces a law that prohibits employment discrimination on the same basis. The rules are slightly different for age discrimination charges.

What Can a Lawyer Do for Me in the EEOC?

While the EEOC makes filings a Charge easier, Oklahoma and Federal laws and regulations often protect employers from liability. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate through the EEOC process to help ensure that your rights are protected. Oftentimes the EEOC is unable to pursue your claim in court. When this happens, the EEOC will provide you with a Notice of Right to Sue, which allows you to pursue your claim in Court. Don't wait until you are tied up in bureaucracy to protect your claim.

Whether you are knee deep in the process or just trying to decide whether to apply, call 405.759.0515 today.

We are here to listen, because your claim IS important. Unlike the large, nationwide firms, at ADLOKC you get one-on-one attention from local employment lawyers.

We are here to help you find the answers. We will help you understand the process and we will work to understand you.

Oklahoma City

1332 SW 89th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
Phone: 405.759.0515
Fax: 405.703.4061

Free Consultation · No Recovery, No Fee

To discuss your case with an experienced Oklahoma City lawyer, please contact us today for a free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available for our severely injured and disabled clients, and staff members at the firm are fluent in Spanish. Se habla español.