Palm Beach Age Discrimination Attorney
Older workers often face more of an uphill climb on the job market than their younger counterparts. There are many reasons cited for this. One is that some employers may prefer younger, less-experienced workers who can be paid less. Another is that some industries, notably technology, tend to view youth as a sign of greater “innovation.”
But these reasons are just excuses to engage in age discrimination, which is against the law in Florida. Anyone who is at least 40 years old cannot be fired or denied employment based on their age. If you have been the victim of such discrimination, the team at the Sconzo Law Office can help. Our Palm Beach age discrimination attorneys represent workers who have faced unfair treatment and harassment in the workplace. We can help you in seeking financial compensation and even the reinstatement of your job.
What Is “Age Discrimination”?
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is the principal federal law protecting older workers. The ADEA prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee or job applicant who is at least 40 years old based on their age. “Discrimination” in this context means any unfavorable treatment within the employment relationship.
For example, any of the following actions would qualify as illegal age discrimination under the ADEA:
- A company advertises a new job position online but specifies only “younger” workers should apply.
- An employer offers a job training program to younger employees but excludes older ones.
- A company engages in mass layoffs but disproportionately targets older employees.
- A manager or supervisor makes derogatory remarks about an employee’s age, thus creating a hostile work environment.
- An employer assumes that older workers are less capable of adapting to new technologies and ends up favoring younger employees as a result.
Additionally, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA) states that employers must offer workers who are at least 40 years old the same fringe benefits as younger workers. This includes things like life insurance, health insurance, and retirement benefits. The OWBPA also protects older workers from being pressured into signing legal waivers of their rights to sue an employer under the ADEA.
Contact the Sconzo Law Office Today
Age discrimination cases are among the most difficult to prove in court. This is because age discrimination is often subtle. Employers often try to mask their discriminatory motive with legitimate-sounding reasons for favoring younger workers and job applicants.
This is where working with an experienced Palm Beach age discrimination attorney can prove essential to winning your case. We understand how to investigate and build such claims. We know the various tricks and mis-directions used by employers to escape liability. And we will work to ensure they do not get away with such behavior.
At the end of the day, an employer must judge you on the quality of your work, not how many years you have been alive. If you suspect that you have been the victim of age discrimination and need to speak with a lawyer, contact the Sconzo Law Office, P.A., today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
