Sanford Race Discrimination Lawyer

Trusted Sanford Race Discrimination Attorney

Despite strict race discrimination laws protecting Florida employees, race discrimination is still a major issue. Fortunately, if you are being harassed or unfairly treated due to your race, you do have legal options. A Sanford race discrimination lawyer can build a strong claim against your employer.

The Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A.: Work With an Experienced Sanford Race Discrimination Attorney

At the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., we bring over 30 years of legal experience to every race discrimination case. Gary A. Costales, a Florida Bar-Certified Employment Law Attorney, has been solely dedicated to employment law throughout his legal career, including when he worked as an administrative law judge and as a trial attorney for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Understanding Race Discrimination in Sanford

Race discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated unfairly because of their race. Discrimination can involve hiring, promotions, pay, job assignments, discipline, or termination. However, discrimination also covers racial harassment, such as repeated offensive comments, slurs, or other pervasive or severe misconduct.

Both federal and Florida race discrimination laws prohibit workplace discrimination based on race. However, this does not mean that it does not occur. Overall, the rate of racial discrimination was found to be 18.8%. For Black employees, 41% reported that they have experienced discrimination or unfair treatment due to their race or ethnicity.

Employers throughout Florida have contributed to this issue. In the 2025 fiscal year, 1,895 charges of race discrimination were filed in Florida. Whether you work for the Central Florida Regional Hospital, Inc. or the Seminole State College of Florida, race discrimination laws protect your ability to file a claim against your employer if you have experienced race discrimination.

Remedies in a Race Discrimination Case

If you succeed in a race discrimination claim, there are several benefits. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you can recover financial compensation for losses such as:

• Back pay
• Front pay
• Lost benefits
• Emotional distress
• Legal fees

Filing a race discrimination claim can also result in race discrimination penalties for your employer. One of the most common race discrimination penalties is punitive damages, which may be awarded when an employer’s conduct is especially reckless or intentionally harmful.

Your employer may also be required to:

• Make changes to company policies.
• Provide further staff training.
• Change the system for reporting and investigating race discrimination.
• Make other internal changes to minimize the chance of future discrimination.

Why You Should Hire a Race Discrimination Lawyer

A race discrimination claim can be difficult to navigate without experienced legal guidance. A Sanford race discrimination lawyer can help you by:

• Gathering evidence. Strong evidence is essential to succeed in a case. A lawyer can preserve evidence that supports your claim, such as employment records, emails, texts, performance reviews, and witness statements.
• Explaining the filing procedures. Race discrimination claims involve strict deadlines and specific legal requirements, which can vary from case to case. A lawyer can guide you through the filing process. They can also correctly submit your claim to the appropriate agency.
• Negotiating with your employer. Many race discrimination cases are resolved through a settlement rather than going to court. A lawyer can communicate with your employer on your behalf, protecting your interests and avoiding a settlement that doesn’t provide the recovery you need.
• Representing you in court. If your case does proceed to litigation, having legal representation is invaluable. In court, your lawyer can present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, make legal arguments, and advocate for your rights. They can also explain the courtroom proceedings so you can feel confident and prepared at each step.
• Pursuing fair compensation. A lawyer can evaluate the full extent of your losses and pursue the compensation you deserve. They can prevent you from being left with a recovery that doesn’t account for all your damages.

FAQs

Can You Hire a Race Discrimination Lawyer to Look Into Whether There Is Racism Within a Company?

Yes, you can hire a race discrimination lawyer to investigate suspected race discrimination at work. A lawyer can:

• Review employment records.
• Interview witnesses.
• Analyze company policies.
• Gather evidence of specific incidents of race discrimination.

If the evidence supports a claim, a lawyer can explain the next steps for filing a claim against your employer and pursuing compensation for your damages.

What Are the Odds of Succeeding in a Race Discrimination Claim?

The chances of succeeding in a race discrimination claim depend on what evidence you have and the specific facts of the case. Claims involving multiple forms of evidence and reliable witness testimony tend to have a higher chance of success compared to cases that rely on unsupported allegations. A Sanford race discrimination attorney can assess whether a race discrimination claim is likely to succeed. Then, you can make an informed choice about your next steps.

Is It Worth Filing a Claim for Race Discrimination?

Yes, it is often worth filing a claim for race discrimination. A claim can recover damages such as back pay, front pay, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. A claim can also hold your employer accountable for their misconduct and require them to institute changes moving forward, such as reinstating you if you were terminated or changing a racist company policy.

What Is the 80% Rule for Employment Discrimination?

The 80% rule for employment discrimination, including race discrimination cases, is a guideline used to determine if an employer is discriminating against a certain protected group. According to this guideline, the impact of an employment decision on a protected group should be at least 80% of the rate for the most common group. For example, if White employees are hired at the highest rate, Black employees should be hired at at least 80% of that rate.

Speak With a Trusted Sanford Race Discrimination Attorney About Your Case

If you have experienced race discrimination at work, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. The Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., can protect your rights and represent you in a claim against your employer. Contact us to schedule a case consultation.