Kissimmee Race Discrimination Lawyer

Kissimmee Race Discrimination Attorney

Race discrimination has no place in the workplace, yet it still occurs in industries all across Florida. Employees may face unfair treatment in hiring, promotions, pay, or responsibilities simply because of their race or ethnicity. Federal and Florida laws make this kind of conduct illegal, but standing up to this behavior isn’t always easy. A Kissimmee race discrimination lawyer can help you understand your rights and work with you to pursue compensation for your damages.

Signs of Race Discrimination at Work

Race discrimination is not always obvious, and it often appears through patterns of unequal treatment rather than a single clear incident. Employees may notice that opportunities, discipline, or interactions with coworkers and supervisors feel inconsistent compared to those of other employees. Common actions include:

• Being ignored for earned promotions
• Receiving lower pay
• Facing harsher discipline
• Hearing racial slurs, jokes, or comments
• Exclusion from meetings or other events

Paying attention to these patterns is critical, especially when the behavior starts to affect your pay, position, or work environment over time. Subtle discrimination can be just as harmful as overt misconduct.

When these behaviors happen repeatedly or go unaddressed by management, they may point to a broader pattern of unlawful discrimination. Documenting these incidents and seeking legal guidance can help you understand your options.

State and Federal Discrimination Laws

Federal and state laws both prohibit race discrimination in the workplace, covering hiring, termination, promotions, salaries, and job duties. The main federal race discrimination law governing these cases is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which applies to employers with 15 or more employees.

What’s more, workers are protected from retaliation for reporting discrimination or participating in an investigation. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces these protections.

The Florida Civil Rights Act offers similar protections and is enforced by the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Employees can often pursue claims under both laws at the same time, but acting quickly is essential to complying with strict deadlines and preserving evidence. With 27,505 race-based charges reported by the EEOC in 2023, workers need to know their rights and legal options.

Compensation for Race Discrimination

If you can prove you’ve been the victim of race discrimination at work, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. This can include both economic and non-economic losses. The exact value of a case depends on the severity of the discrimination, the strength of your evidence, and how your career was affected. Damage categories include:

• Lost wages
• Future lost earnings
• Emotional distress
• Reinstatement
• Attorney fees
• Punitive damages

Every case is different, and outcomes can vary widely. A strong claim with clear evidence of bias and documented harm typically results in more serious damages, especially when the employer’s conduct was repeated or severe.

Employment discrimination cases do matter, and they sometimes result in large settlements. Just last year, Waste Pro of Florida was ordered to pay $1.4 million after an employment discrimination claim.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A.,

When you’ve been discriminated against at work based on your race or ethnicity, you want an employment attorney with decades of experience and a long track record of success. You want the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., on your side. Attorney Gary Costales is board-certified in Labor and Employment Law.

You can rely on his knowledge to help you make informed decisions about your case and build an effective legal strategy. It’s important to work with an experienced law firm like the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A.

FAQs

Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Claim for Race Discrimination?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer to file a race discrimination claim. You have the right to submit a charge directly to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Florida Commission on  Human Relations independently. However, an attorney can help you gather evidence, meet deadlines, and avoid mistakes that could weaken your case. Legal support is especially important if your case involves complex facts, a strong defense from the employer, or if you plan to litigate.

What Is the 80% Rule in Race Discrimination Cases?

The 80% rule is a guideline used to identify potential discrimination in the hiring or promotion process. It compares selection rates between groups. If a protected group is selected at less than 80% of the rate of the highest-selected group, it may indicate discrimination is occurring. The EEOC recognizes this rule, but it is not definitive proof of discrimination. Simply, it’s another piece of evidence that can be used to pursue your claim.

How Much Is a Race Discrimination Case Worth in Florida?

How much a race discrimination case is worth depends on the damages you’ve incurred and the effect it has had on your life. You have the right to pursue compensation for lost wages, future lost earnings, lost benefits, and other economic damages. You can also receive compensation for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Your Kissimmee race discrimination attorney can help you properly value your case.

Do I Need to Report Race Discrimination to the EEOC?

You need to report race discrimination to the EEOC or the FCHR if you want to pursue legal action. These agencies will review your report, investigate if they believe there are valid grounds, and offer mediation services to help resolve the conflict. If mediation fails, they may issue you a “Right to Sue” letter, which allows you to take the case to court to pursue compensation.

Hire a Kissimmee Race Discrimination Lawyer

The color of your skin should never have an impact on your job. If your employer or coworkers start treating you unfairly based on your race, it’s time to reach out to an attorney to learn about your legal options.

Hire a Kissimmee race discrimination lawyer from the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., for the dedicated legal support you need to hold your employer accountable and pursue full compensation for all of your losses. Contact our team today to set up a consultation and discuss your case. We can help deliver justice if you have experienced racial discrimination at work.