Federal and state employment laws strictly prohibit employers from engaging in workplace discrimination. At Baird Quinn LLC, our experienced Denver employment discrimination lawyers are dedicated to aggressively protecting the rights of Colorado workers.
Jump to: Protected Classes in Colorado | Federal & State Laws | Sex & Gender Discrimination | Filing a Charge (EEOC/CCRD) | Damages & Penalties | Discrimination FAQs
Legal Protections: What is Workplace Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfavorably based on a protected characteristic. Under both United States federal law and the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA), Colorado workers are protected from discrimination on the basis of:
- Race and Skin Color
- National Origin / Ethnicity
- Religion
- Sex, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation
- Pregnancy, Childbirth, and related medical conditions
- Physical, Mental, or Learning Disabilities
- Age (for persons over age 40)
These protections apply to every aspect of employment, including hiring, termination, promotion, compensation, job training, and any other term, condition, or privilege of employment.
Understanding Federal and State Workplace Discrimination Laws
Our Denver workplace discrimination lawyers frequently navigate a complex web of overlapping federal and state statutes to build the strongest possible cases for our clients. Key laws include:
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VII prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It forbids intentional discrimination as well as “neutral” job policies that disproportionately exclude or disadvantage minority applicants. Title VII also strictly prohibits workplace harassment (such as racial slurs or offensive remarks) that creates a hostile work environment.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA protects qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. It also mandates that covered employers provide reasonable accommodations—such as modified schedules or specialized equipment—that do not impose an undue hardship on the business.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
The ADEA protects workers who are 40 years of age or older from unfair treatment, ensuring that older employees are not targeted during layoffs or passed over for promotions in favor of younger, less experienced staff.
Gender and Sex Discrimination Attorneys
Title VII and the Equal Pay Act prohibit employers from making adverse employment decisions—or paying unequal wages—based on an employee’s sex. Whether you are facing gender discrimination, sexual harassment, or discrimination based on pregnancy, our Denver gender discrimination attorneys have the experience to hold employers accountable.
Learn more about our dedicated representation on our Sexual Harassment in the Workplace page.
Filing a Discrimination Charge (EEOC & CCRD)
Before filing a discrimination lawsuit, an employee must first file a formal Charge of Discrimination with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD).
This charge must typically be filed within a very short timeframe—usually 180 or 300 days from the date of the discriminatory act. If the agency finds “probable cause,” they will attempt to resolve the claim. If conciliation fails, you will receive a “Right to Sue” letter, allowing you to pursue the claim in court.
Damages and Penalties in Discrimination Lawsuits
If an applicant or employee prevails in an employment discrimination case, they may be entitled to substantial relief, including:
- Reinstatement or compelled promotion
- Lost back-pay and front-pay
- Compensatory damages for emotional distress
- Punitive damages against the employer
- Attorneys’ fees and litigation costs
Why You Need a Denver Employment Discrimination Lawyer
Given the high-stakes nature of these claims and the strict filing deadlines, it is critical to secure the best possible legal representation. Baird Quinn’s attorneys have substantial experience representing individuals and businesses before the EEOC and CCRD, as well as litigating complex cases in Colorado state and federal courts.
If you are searching for a discrimination lawyer near you, look no further. Contact Baird Quinn LLC today for an initial consultation to discuss your workplace discrimination claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Discrimination in Colorado
What is considered workplace discrimination in Colorado?
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfavorably based on a protected characteristic, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability. This includes unfair treatment in hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, and other conditions of employment.
How long do I have to file a discrimination claim in Colorado?
In Colorado, you generally have up to 300 days from the date of the discriminatory act to file a formal Charge of Discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD). Failing to meet this deadline can permanently bar your claim.
Do anti-discrimination laws apply to small businesses in Colorado?
Yes. While federal laws like Title VII typically apply to employers with 15 or more employees, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) provides broader protections and applies to almost all employers in the state, regardless of their size.
Can my employer fire me for reporting discrimination?
No. Both federal and Colorado state laws strictly prohibit retaliation. It is illegal for your employer to fire, demote, harass, or otherwise retaliate against you for reporting discrimination, filing a charge with the EEOC or CCRD, or participating in a discrimination investigation.