Civil Rights Litigation Lawyer Washington D.C.

In the United States, we have laws in place that are meant to protect the civil rights of individuals from discrimination. These civil rights laws are also in place to guarantee certain privileges for everyone. As a Washington D.C. civil rights litigation lawyer can explain, these privileges include:

Freedom of speech
Right to due process
Equal protection regardless of an individual’s age, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, or religion

These laws mean that no government organization, no private individual, and no social organizations can infringe upon a person’s freedom, repress that person, or discriminate against them.

At Eric Siegal Law, we have spent more than 30 years passionately fighting for the civil rights of all individuals. Each Washington D.C. civil rights litigation lawyer from our firm has extensive experience in civil rights violation cases involving:

Americans with Disabilities Act infringement
Employment discrimination
Sexual harassment

Employment Discrimination

Under both federal and state law, it is illegal for a company to discriminate against an employee or potential employee based on age, ethnicity, gender, race, or any other reason. Some of the common issues of employment discrimination our clients have faced include:

Being dismissed or laid off
Being given job duties that are impossible to meet
Being refused a job
Being subjected to verbal abuse that refers to the attribute that is protected (i.e. ethnicity, gender)
Denial of a job transfer
Denial of promotions
Denial of training
Having hours reduced
Not receiving the same pay and/or benefits as other employees doing the same job who have similar qualifications and experience

Some of the common issues of sexual harassment our clients have faced include:

Inappropriate touching, such as purposefully brushing up against the victim, patting, pinching, or rubbing
Making sexual comments about the victim’s appearance, body parts, or clothing
Offensive comments about the victim’s gender or sexual orientation
Sharing or displaying photos, posters, or videos that contain inappropriate sexual images
Staring in an offensive or sexually suggestive manner
Telling inappropriate jokes or sharing sexual stories

If you feel you have been a victim of employment discrimination or sexual harassment, a civil rights litigation lawyer in Washington D.C. from our firm can help. In these types of cases, your attorney can pursue multiple damages, including unpaid wages and benefits, the loss of future wages and benefits, emotional anguish, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and more.

Civil Rights Violations by Police

The legal team at our firm has also represented many clients whose civil rights were violated by law enforcement. Unfortunately, there are some police officers who fail to follow the standards of action and behavior that federal and state laws require them to. Some of the more egregious behaviors that some of our clients have suffered include:

Police misconduct
Illegal search and seizure
False arrest
False imprisonment

3 Tips for Advocating for Your Rights On the Job

As an American with an intellectual or developmental disability, your rights are protected by law. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always mean that people follow that law. You have likely had frustrating encounters with people or experienced outright discrimination based on your disability. When you’ve faced these situations, what do you do? While it might be uncomfortable, Eric Siegel Law believes it is well within your rights for you to advocate for yourself and get the necessary accommodations that you deserve. When you advocate for yourself, you keep others in the future from facing that same frustration. Here are three tips for advocating for your rights on the job.

1. Know Your Rights

You might feel that the way you’re being treated at work isn’t right, but if you don’t know what your rights are, it’s difficult to identify the problem. A civil rights litigation lawyer in Washington, D.C. may be able to help you understand if your rights are being violated in the workplace. As an individual with a disability, you have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodations in order to do your job. Some examples include accessible parking, modified training and feedback materials, a flexible schedule, or reorganization of the job (ex. you are provided a checklist of tasks to complete during each shift).

2. Communicate Clearly

Once you know your rights, it’s important to communicate clearly with your employer about the things that you need. For example, you need a larger screen on a computer terminal to see the software, or you have a medical condition that requires you to take 15-minute breaks every three hours. Talk with your manager about your needs. It is helpful to make your request in writing. A job coach, a friend, or a coworker may be able to help you make your request. If you are being ignored by your employer, a civil rights litigation lawyer in Washington, D.C. can help you determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit.

3. Ask for Help

Eric Siegel Law believes that every individual’s voice is important. Many Americans with disabilities face workplace discrimination on a daily basis but not everyone knows how to help themselves. By consulting with a civil rights litigation lawyer in Washington, D.C., you can become educated about your rights and get help communicating those rights to your employer. When you ask for help, not only are you making your workplace better for you, but you’re making it better for other individuals with disabilities who deserve a better working environment, too.

The Americans With Disabilites Act FAQ

Are All Employers Subject to The Americans With Disabilities Act?

The employment provisions of the ADA only apply to state and local governments, labor unions, joint management labor committees, employment agencies, agents of the employer and private employers with 15 or more employees. If you are unsure whether the ADA applies to an employer you believe may be in violation of the act, an attorney at Eric Siegal Law can review your case.

Which Employees Are Protected by the ADA?

Employees and applicants for employment who have disabilities can not be discriminated against by employers or potential employers. A person who has a mental or physical impairment that substantially impacts major life activities is considered to have a disability. The Act also protects people against discrimination if they have a record of disability, such as a person who has recovered from cancer or a person that the employer thinks has a disability, whether that person does or not.

Examples of major life activities include performing manual tasks, hearing, sleeping, seeing, walking, eating, standing, thinking, communicating and others. Examples of impairments that are usually considered disabilities include blindness, missing limbs, intellectual disability, deafness, cancer, diabetes, major depressive disorder, autism and others. If you are unsure whether you qualify for protection under the ADA, a civil rights litigation lawyer in Washington, D.C. may be able to assist you.

Are Employers Required To Give Preference To Applicants With Disabilities?

The ADA prohibits discrimination, but it does not require employers to hire people with disabilities if there is a reason other than the applicant’s disability to choose another candidate. If you believe you have been illegally denied employment because of your disability, a civil rights litigation lawyer in Washington, D.C. may be able to help.

Can Employers Ask Applicants To Disclose Disabilities?

Employers may ask about disabilities if federal laws or regulations require it, such as laws that apply to veterans with disabilities. Employers may also ask applicants to disclose disabilities if they are asking for the purpose of using this disclosure to benefit the applicant. If you have a concern about disclosing your disability to a potential employer, an attorney at Eric Siegal Law may be able to assist you.

Federal contractors and subcontractors who are subject to affirmative action requirements can ask applicants to disclose disabilities for the purpose of satisfying affirmative action requirements. However, they must adhere to the requirements of section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 when requesting, using and maintaining this information. If you have a concern about how an employer has collected, used or maintained your personal information, you may want to consult with a civil rights litigation lawyer in Washington, D.C.

Is a Hate Crime the Same as a Civil Rights Violation?

Assault is one thing. However, assault of someone because of race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender or disability is considered a civil rights violation under federal law. This makes such a crime more serious, leaving the offender open to harsher penalties. It also means that the offender can be sued, which is when the services of a civil rights litigation lawyer in Washington, D.C., can be of great value.

A Brief History of Hate Crime Legislation

The federal Civil Rights Act of 1968 included a provision, outlined under 18 U.S.C. § 245(b)(2), which allowing the federal government to prosecute any person who uses violence or the threat of violence against a person of color while the individual is attempting to engage in one or more of the following:

Attending an academic institution
Making use of public facilities
Seeking employment
Serving on a jury
Voting

Since that time, hate crime legislation has been expanded to protect LGBTQ persons, the disabled and religious minorities.

Sexual Assault as a Civil Rights Violation

Although they are not classified as a hate crime (unless the victim is a member of a protected minority group), sexual assault and harassment are reasons to contact a civil rights litigation lawyer in Washington, D.C. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is illegal to harass a person in the workplace because of gender or gender-related issues such as pregnancy. Furthermore, it is illegal to terminate a person’s employment or refuse to hire someone because of those issues. This can be a reason to consult a civil rights litigation lawyer in Washington, D.C.

Tort Litigation in Combatting Hate Crimes

Although a hate crime is considered a criminal matter, a growing number of attorneys have been using civil litigation as a tool to hold perpetrators and hate groups accountable. A 2004 paper published in the North Carolina Law Review outlines several legal strategies that can be employed in a civil lawsuit. For example, John leads an anti-immigrant group. He may say that he doesn’t advocate violence against immigrants, but at the same time stirs up hatred with his words and advocates others to “arm themselves” against the “immigrant threat.”

Thus motivated, Charlie and Bill go out and assault Pedro, a new U.S. citizen who immigrated from Ecuador. John may not have given Charlie and Bill direct orders or participated in the assault, but by having inflamed the situation, he bears civil liability — and possibly his group as well. In this situation, Pedro would benefit from hiring a civil rights litigation lawyer in Washington, D.C.

If you have been a victim of a civil rights violation, no matter who the party that committed the violation was, contact Eric Siegal Law to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a civil rights litigation lawyer Washington D.C. victims trust and find out what legal recourse you may have.

Washington D.C. Civil Rights Litigation Lawyer

If your civil rights have been violated, contact a Washington D.C. civil rights litigation lawyer. What happened to you wasn’t fair. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about civil rights litigation lawyers.

Q: What Is A Civil Rights Litigation Lawyer?

A Civil Rights Litigation Lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in representing individuals or groups in cases involving violations of civil rights. These attorneys focus on ensuring that individuals are protected from discrimination and that their constitutional rights are upheld.

Q: What Types Of Cases Does A Civil Rights Litigation Lawyer Handle?

Civil Rights Litigation Lawyers handle a broad range of cases, including those related to discrimination, police misconduct, employment discrimination, and violations of constitutional rights. They may also be involved in cases related to issues such as voting rights, freedom of speech, and equal protection under the law.

Q: How Does A Civil Rights Litigation Lawyer Assist Clients?

These lawyers work closely with clients to assess their situation, gather evidence, and build a strong case. They may represent clients in negotiations, mediations, or court proceedings, advocating for their rights and seeking justice for any violations that may have occurred.

Q: What Qualifications Does A Civil Rights Litigation Lawyer Possess?

Civil Rights Litigation Lawyers typically have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and are licensed to practice law in their jurisdiction. Many also have additional training or experience in civil rights law. Strong analytical and research skills, as well as effective communication and negotiation abilities, are crucial for success in this field.

Q: When Should I Consult A Civil Rights Litigation Lawyer?

If you believe your civil rights have been violated or if you are facing discrimination in any aspect of your life, it is advisable to consult a Civil Rights Litigation Lawyer. They can assess your situation, provide legal advice, and help you determine the best course of action to protect your rights.

Q: How Does The Legal Process Work In Civil Rights Cases?

The legal process in civil rights cases can vary, but it generally involves filing a complaint, conducting discovery, and presenting the case in court. Civil Rights Litigation Lawyers guide their clients through each step, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they have the best possible chance for a favorable outcome.

Q: What Damages Or Remedies Can A Civil Rights Litigation Lawyer Pursue?

Civil Rights Litigation Lawyers may seek various remedies for their clients, including monetary damages, injunctive relief, and court orders to stop discriminatory practices. The specific remedies pursued depend on the nature of the case and the goals of the client.

Q: How Long Does A Civil Rights Case Typically Take?

The duration of a civil rights case can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the court’s schedule, and whether a settlement is reached. Some cases may be resolved relatively quickly, while others may take months or even years to reach a resolution.

If you have additional questions about civil rights, schedule a meeting with a Washington D.C. civil rights litigation lawyer. At Eric Siegel Law, we want to help you get justice.