Your Age Does Not Affect Your Ability to Do Your Job
Employees should be assessed on their individual merits and qualifications—not on stereotypes about their age. Unfortunately, anyone who stays in the workplace beyond the age of 40 may eventually face this form of discrimination. There is an unjustified, unfair perception that as you age, your worth goes down because of perceived lack of adaptability, expense of increased salary and benefits, growing health concerns and the desire to spend more time with your family. At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our age discrimination lawyers in Queens and Long Island are strong and experienced advocates for employees. Our law firm practices employment law because we believe in defending workers’ rights. Our knowledge of the law and how it can be applied to your circumstances can help bring closure to your situation and give you peace of mind.
If you were a victim of age-based discrimination, we are here to help. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with a top-rated New York workplace discrimination attorney, please call us (347) 464-8694 or send us an e-mail.
Federal and State Protections Against Age Discrimination in the Workplace
Workers in New York are protected against age discrimination under state, federal and city law. To start, the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits adverse treatment on the basis of age. The ADEA protects workers who are 40 years old and older from age-based discrimination. Additionally, workers are also protected from age discrimination under the New York State Human Rights Law and New York City Human Rights Law.
Age Discrimination and Adverse Employment Actions
Age discrimination occurs when an employee is treated less favorably because of their age. While experience is a valid factor in making an employment decision, workers cannot be denied opportunities merely because they are older. You may have been the victim of age discrimination if you suffered an adverse employment action related to your age. Some common examples of adverse employment actions include:
- Denial of a job opportunity;
- Denial of a promotion;
- Less desirable assignments than other workers;
- Termination or unlawful targeting in layoffs; and
- Hostile work environment (harassment).
What to Know About Age Discrimination and Layoffs
Where it used to be policy to lay off the most recently hired workers during downsizing, it is more common now for the older, more experienced workers to be let go in favor of employees who do not cost as much. Employers can gloss over this discrimination by claiming they had to cut the workforce and you were simply one of the unfortunate decisions. That does not mean they did not discriminate against you because of your age.
Put another way, an employer cannot conduct layoffs or reductions in force in a discriminatory manner—meaning older, more senior workers should not be targeted by the company. If you believe that you or your family member was unfairly discriminated against during layoffs, downsizing, or corporate restructuring, please contact our Queens and Long Island age discrimination lawyers for immediate help.
How Common are Claims For Age Discrimination Lawyers in Queens?
In the current economy, where many people feel they won’t be able to retire until the age of 70 or who are returning to work to supplement their depleted retirement income, this is a serious issue.
Older people are being forced out of the workplace through layoffs and have a much harder time getting another job, spending months or years out of work.
Employees deserve a work environment that is free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, including age discrimination. Unfortunately, discrimination against older workers remains a persistent problem in New York City and throughout the United States. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports that approximately 60 percent of workers 45 years of age and older have experienced or witnessed age discrimination while on the job.
Why Hire the Ricotta and Marks Age Discrimination Lawyers
in Queens and Long Island?
If you feel that your employment was terminated because you are over 40 or if you have been turned down for employment because of your age, come tell us your story. At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our workplace discrimination lawyers are avid listeners and we want to help you get justice and fair financial compensation.
During your free initial consultation, we can determine if and how you were discriminated against, then give you the available options to go forward, including filing with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the New York State Division of Human Rights, the New York City Commission on Human Rights, or filing a state or federal lawsuit. We will aggressively protect your rights as an employee and help successfully resolve your case. Among other things, our Queens and Long Island age discrimination lawyers are prepared to:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of your age discrimination case;
- Answer any questions you have about your workplace rights;
- Investigate your age discrimination claim—securing relevant evidence; and,
- Devise a customized legal strategy focused on achieving the best possible outcome.
Age discrimination is not acceptable. We are committed to providing each and every client with the attentive, personalized representation that they deserve. Looking to find an age discrimination attorney near you? Schedule your free initial consultation today by calling us at (347) 464-8694.
Call Our Age Discrimination Attorneys in Queens and Long Island, NY for Immediate Assistance
At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our New York employment lawyers are skilled, results-focused advocates for workers. If you or your loved one was the victim of age discrimination, we can help. To arrange a no cost, fully confidential initial consultation, please contact our legal team today. We represent employees throughout the New York City metropolitan area, including in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and communities beyond.