The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) requires that an employer be color blind in making employment decisions. When an employer shows bias or preference to employees of a certain race or national origin, such actions violate the LAD. Such an employer may be liable for damages for race discrimination.
Racial discrimination can sometimes involve harassment. Examples of verbal harassment include the use of racial epithets in the workplace. To prove a hostile work environment based on race, an employee must show that the harassment is severe or pervasive. A single remark that involves racist language can sometimes be viewed as “severe” enough to create a hostile work environment. The term “pervasive” refers to many remarks or actions over a period of time.
Other forms of race discrimination can be more subtle. Examples of other forms of race discrimination can include differences in pay or promotion. They can also include differences in the way that employees are evaluated or disciplined. To prove such cases, a victim of race discrimination often must show how other employees of a different race were treated preferentially. Victims of race discrimination who win their lawsuit can recover damages. Such damages can include lost wages, emotional distress damages, attorneys fees, and punitive damages.
Ron Wronko is an experienced NJ racial discrimination lawyer who has handled many cases in the state. For instance, he successfully resolved a claim against a large corporation in Roseland, New Jersey in a case in New Jersey Superior Court, Essex County for $250,000. If you would like an initial telephone consultation on a potential race discrimination claim, please call (973) 360-1001.