Center City Age Discrimination Lawyers

Age discrimination is a serious issue in today’s workforce, with many individuals facing unfair treatment based on their age. This type of discrimination can occur in various ways, from being passed over for promotions to being wrongfully terminated. If you believe you’ve been the victim of age discrimination in your workplace, you need a lawyer who can help you understand your rights and fight for justice.

The Center City age discrimination lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. have years of experience in handling these sensitive and complex cases.

What Is Age Discrimination?

Age discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly because of their age. In the United States, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects individuals over the age of 40 from age-based discrimination in hiring, firing, promotion, compensation, job assignments, and other employment practices. However, it’s important to understand that age discrimination doesn’t always involve an overt comment about age; it can happen in more subtle ways, such as a pattern of hiring younger employees or creating an environment that marginalizes older workers.

Common Forms of Age Discrimination

Age discrimination can manifest in many ways, including:

• Hiring Discrimination: An employer refuses to hire a qualified candidate because they are considered “too old” for the position, even though they meet all the necessary requirements.
• Promotion Denial: An older employee may be overlooked for promotions or raises in favor of younger, less experienced workers.
• Job Termination: Employees may be unfairly dismissed or forced into early retirement because of their age, even if their performance has not declined.
• Harassment: In some cases, older employees may experience offensive jokes, comments, or other forms of verbal abuse based on their age, which can create a hostile work environment.
• Workplace Bias: Employers may offer fewer opportunities for training or professional development to older employees, assuming that they won’t be with the company much longer.

What Are the Signs of Age Discrimination?

If you suspect you’ve been the victim of age discrimination, there are several warning signs to watch for:

• Job Responsibilities Are Taken Away: Your responsibilities and duties begin to be reassigned or reduced without explanation.
• Negative Performance Reviews: You receive unfair or biased performance reviews, or your performance is criticized more harshly than younger colleagues.
• Older Workers Are Let Go: If you notice that older workers are being let go or forced into retirement while younger employees remain or are hired, this could indicate age discrimination.
• Offensive Remarks: You may hear comments like “You’re too old for this job” or “You’re over the hill” from colleagues or supervisors.
• Being Replaced by Younger Employees: If you find that your position is being filled by a younger, less experienced individual, despite your qualifications and experience, this could be a sign of discrimination.

How Can Our Center City Age Discrimination Lawyers Help You?

If you believe you’ve been subjected to age discrimination, it’s crucial to work with an experienced lawyer who can guide you through the legal process. Our team at The Gold Law Firm P.C. will:

• Evaluate Your Case: We will listen to your concerns, review the details of your case, and help you understand whether you have a valid claim for age discrimination.
• Gather Evidence: Age discrimination cases often require strong evidence, such as performance records, emails, communications, and witness statements. We will gather the necessary evidence to build a compelling case.
• Negotiate with Employers: We will handle discussions with your employer and their insurance company to seek a fair resolution without the need for litigation.
• File a Formal Claim: If necessary, we can file a formal age discrimination claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and take legal action against your employer.
• Represent You in Court: If a settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for your rights in court.

What Are Your Rights Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)?

Under the ADEA, employers with 20 or more employees are prohibited from discriminating against employees or applicants over the age of 40. The act covers a range of workplace issues, including:

• Hiring and Firing: Employers cannot make decisions based on age, such as firing an employee because they are considered too old for the position.
• Compensation: Older employees cannot be paid less than younger employees for the same job duties.
• Training and Advancement: Age cannot be a factor when it comes to offering professional development opportunities, training, or promotions.
• Workplace Harassment: Employers are required to prevent or address age-related harassment, which includes any offensive comments or actions regarding an employee’s age.

Exceptions to the ADEA

While the ADEA offers substantial protection for older workers, there are certain exceptions. For example, if age is a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) for the job (such as hiring younger actors for a youth-oriented role), then it may be legal for an employer to consider age. Additionally, there may be mandatory retirement policies in certain industries, such as for airline pilots or other jobs requiring specific physical abilities.

What Compensation Can You Receive in an Age Discrimination Case?

If you have been the victim of age discrimination, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Lost wages from being fired, demoted, or passed over for promotion.
• Emotional distress caused by the discriminatory treatment.
• Back pay for wages you lost due to the discrimination.
• Front pay for future wages if reinstatement is not an option.
• Attorney’s fees and costs of bringing the lawsuit.
• Punitive damages if the employer acted with malice or reckless indifference.

How Long Do You Have to File an Age Discrimination Claim?

In Pennsylvania, you generally have 300 days from the date of the discriminatory act to file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). It is essential to act promptly, as failing to file within this time period could bar you from seeking compensation.

Why Choose The Gold Law Firm P.C.?

At The Gold Law Firm P.C., we understand the emotional and professional challenges that age discrimination can cause. We are committed to fighting for the rights of older workers and ensuring that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. Our experienced lawyers will:

• Provide personalized legal guidance tailored to your unique situation.
• Offer aggressive representation to hold employers accountable for their discriminatory actions.
• Work with you every step of the way to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact Our Center City Age Discrimination Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Today

If you have been the victim of age discrimination, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact our Center City age discrimination lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. today for a free consultation. Call 215-569-1999 or contact us online. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients in South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Montgomery County, and Cherry Hill.