What to Do if Your Civil Rights Have Been Violated

Civil rights cases are on the rise in the US.

Americans’ civil rights include things like freedom of speech and freedom to assemble. The freedom from discrimination based on things like race, age, or gender is also a civil right in the United States.

The Americans With Disabilities Act is also associated with civil rights. This act from 1990 protects individuals with disabilities.

Unfortunately, despite the various civil rights protections that are in place across our governmental system, discrimination still continues to happen—in the workplace and elsewhere.

If you believe that you have suffered from a civil rights violation but aren’t sure what to do next, keep reading to find out the best course of action.

Know Your Civil Rights

Having a full understanding of your civil rights is the first step in recognizing whether or not you’ve been the victim of a civil rights violation.

We frequently tend to think of “civil rights” as being associated with race discrimination. However, there are many different types of civil rights violations. 

For example, many employers still subtly violate pregnancy discrimination laws. This is an example of a civil rights violation. 

Speak with a Lawyer

You might be fairly confident in your knowledge that your civil rights have been violated. However, it’s important to speak with a civil rights lawyer to find out if you have a provable case.

For example, civil rights cases filed against individuals are highly unusual, unless it is a government official. These types of cases sometimes involve federal law enforcement. Civil rights cases are also frequently filed against businesses for various discriminatory practices. 

Talking things through with a professional, knowledgeable civil rights attorney can help you know the best course of action.

Understand the Compensation You’re Entitled to Receive

If your civil rights are violated, know that you are entitled to receive financial compensation for the discrimination that you’ve suffered. Those who have suffered from employer discrimination may be entitled to receive compensation such as being re-hired at their job, gaining an earned promotion, or receiving back pay, depending on the situation. 

In many civil rights cases, your attorney fees and other related court costs can also be covered by the entity (the business or person) that discriminated against you. 

Have You Experienced a Civil Rights Violation?

If you feel that you’ve been discriminated against or mistreated in the workplace or any other public sphere, then consulting with a lawyer should definitely be your next step. 

Perhaps you’re not entirely sure whether the mistreatment falls under the category of a civil rights violation or another legal violation. Speaking with the right lawyer can help ensure that you receive appropriate compensation and justice. 

No matter your situation, contact us today. Find out how our qualified team of lawyers can work directly with you to help you find a solution to your legal troubles!