Syracuse Age Discrimination Attorney
In New York, employers cannot make hiring, firing, or any other type of employment decision based on certain protected characteristics, including race, gender, and religion. Age discrimination is also illegal, in New York and on the federal level.
If you believe that your current or former employer discriminated against you based on age, you may qualify for a claim. In these situations, the Syracuse age discrimination attorneys at Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC can represent your case and help you hold your employer accountable.
Why Hire A Syracuse Age Discrimination Lawyer From Us
- Our Syracuse employment lawyers hold over 50 years of combined legal experience and specialize in New York employment discrimination claims.
- Our firm provides personalized attention to each client so we can craft the most compelling case in your favor.
- We have spent years developing relationships with New York lawyers, judges, and court systems. We can help you navigate each stage of your case.
What Is Age Discrimination?
Under federal law, employers who are age 40 or older are protected from facing discrimination based on their age. Employees at companies with 20 or more employees are protected by the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
New York state law prohibits all employers, regardless of the number of employees, to hire, terminate, or make any other employment decision based on the age of the employee. These laws apply to employees as well as independent contractors. New York state laws apply to all employees, even those under 40 years old.
New York City has very similar rules. Under city laws, employers with four or more employees cannot make hiring, firing, or other employment decisions based on age, even if the employee is under the age of 40. Like state law, these protections extend to employees and independent contractors.
How to Identify Age Discrimination
Anti-discrimination laws recognize certain situations where an employer can disqualify an employee from a certain position based on age. However, the age of the employee must be truly necessary to perform the duties of the position. While this exception is in place, it is rare.
Some common examples of age discrimination include the following.
- Your employer consistently assigns high-priority clients, projects, and accounts to younger workers.
- You receive excellent reviews at work but are suddenly terminated and replaced with a younger person.
- You have worked in your position for years and are passed up for a promotion in favor of a younger, less qualified, and poorer performing worker.
- You apply for a job and learn that you were rejected because you look too old.
Legal Options After Age Discrimination
Making employment decisions based on age is illegal in New York. If you believe that you have experienced this type of workplace discrimination, you may qualify for a claim against your employer. As a New York employee, you have multiple options.
- You can file a federal claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- You can file a state claim with the New York State Division of Human Rights.
- If you work in New York City, you can file a claim with the New York City Commission on Human Rights.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you believe that you qualify for an age discrimination claim, the attorneys at Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC can help. Your lawyer can evaluate your case, determine if your case qualifies for a claim, and represent you throughout the process. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and discuss your next steps with a New York age discrimination attorney.