Age Discrimination Lawyer Cincinnati Ohio
For individuals that are looking for an age discrimination lawyer in Cincinnati, Ohio, you’ve come to the right place. The Friedmann Firm, LLC is an age discrimination law firm serving Cincinnati, OH that understands and recognizes the importance of treating all employees fairly, regardless of age. Individuals over the age of 40 cannot be discriminated against or treated less favorably because of their age. If you are over 40, you are in a “protected class,” meaning you cannot be discriminated against based on that protected class.
Employees over the age of 40 may face poor treatment, harassment, and discrimination due to their age. They may also face forced retirement, only to be replaced by someone younger.
If this is a familiar situation or you suspect that you are facing age discrimination in the workplace, our age discrimination lawyers in Cincinnati can help.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
Age discrimination occurs when an employee or a job applicant is treated less favorably because of their age. It is rare that blatant discrimination occurs, but it does happen. It is more likely that the discrimination will be hidden in some way or be based on circumstantial evidence. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is a federal law that strictly forbids discrimination based on age against people who are 40 or older.
The ADEA does not apply to employees or job applicants that are under the age of 40. Therefore, it is not illegal for an employer to show favor to an older employee over a younger employee due to age.
Examples of age discrimination include:
- Supervisors or co-workers making comments related to age, like asking if you are going to retire soon, if you are too old to perform the job, wanting a more youthful atmosphere, etc.
- Older workers being laid off or forced into retirement when younger workers are kept on
- The promotion of younger workers over older workers
- Harassment based around age
There are many other forms that age discrimination can take. Ohio law also protects against discrimination based on age, for workers that are over 40. The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA) affords protection to workers over age 40. The OWBPA was originally passed in 1990 and serves as an amendment to the ADEA.
It requires that workers over the age of 40 are provided with:
- An additional 21 days to consider and sign any kind of severance package
- An additional 7 days to revoke the offer after it has been signed
If your employer has not provided you with these time periods after offering you a severance package, you could potentially have a claim against your employer. Reach out to our firm to consult with a Cincinnati age discrimination lawyer today.
What is Age Discrimination Law in Ohio?
In addition to the ADEA, there are also state-specific laws that offer additional protection to workers over the age of 40.
Section 4112.14 of the Ohio Revised Code specifically addresses age discrimination:
“No employer shall discriminate in any job opening against any applicant or discharge without just cause any employee aged forty or older who is physically able to perform the duties and otherwise meets the established requirements of the job and laws pertaining to the relationship between employer and employee.”
So, under both federal and state law, older workers have several protections against unlawful discrimination based on age. Age discrimination may appear in relation to hiring, promotion, layoffs, benefits packages, applying for a job, compensation, and even training.
What Can an Age Discrimination Law Firm in Cincinnati, OH Do for You?
As an experienced age discrimination law firm in Cincinnati, OH, we can help you further understand the legal options you have if you have been discriminated against in the workplace. For example, if you file a complaint internally through your workplace or through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC), your employer cannot retaliate against you.
If you believe you have an age discrimination claim and want to take action against your employer, you may need a little extra help navigating the process. With different laws in play and situations that might be complex, it can be helpful to consult with our team of age discrimination lawyers near Cincinnati.
As an employee, you should be able to go to work without fear of facing discrimination. We can help educate you on your rights and help protect you.
Connect with a Cincinnati Age Discrimination Lawyer
You can connect with our Cincinnati law firm today over the phone at 513-845-7330 or by booking a consultation online. We are here to help you handle unlawful discrimination with an aggressive approach that is focused on protecting your rights.
Initial consultations are always completely free and confidential.