Discrimination and Wrongful Termination
Discrimination and Wrongful Termination Attorneys
Discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, or sexual orientation in the areas of employment, education, housing, mortgage lending, and access to credit is a violation of civil rights guaranteed by the Massachusetts and U.S. Constitution. See, for example, Mass. Gen. Laws chapters 151B & 151C. The Massachusetts Commission against Discrimination (MCAD) is the primary agency charged with enforcing the state's civil rights laws. If you believe you have been discriminated against, you should file a complaint with the MCAD immediately. You must file a complaint with the MCAD within 300 days of the date of the discrimination or you may be prevented from pursing a case in court. If you believe your civil rights have been violated, you should contact an experienced civil rights attorney at Milligan Coughlin for a free consultation
Wrongful Termination
In Massachusetts, an employer may file you for any reason -- with a few important exceptions. For instance, it is illegal to fire an employee for seeking his or her rights under Massachusetts wage and hour law, including complaints involving failure to pay overtime or provide adequate lunch breaks. See M.G.L. c. 149, § 148A. State and federal law also protects "whistleblowers" who report corporate or government fraud. If you are aware of corporate or government fraud, you should immediately consult an attorney to take the necessary steps to ensure you do not unknowingly give up your rights. Finally, an employer may not treat an employee differently because of his or her race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, or sexual orientation.
If you have been fired and suspect that you have a claim, it may be possible to negotiate a severance payment with your former employer and you may still qualify for unemployment benefits. Even if you have signed a release in return for a severance package, you should contact an attorney at Milligan Coughlin immediately as an employee cannot release certain claims.