If you feel you were discriminated against at work, you are probably considering seeking legal representation. When you discuss your claim with your attorney, you will need to produce certain documents regarding the claim, which will play a part in the success of your case. Given the pivotal role these documents have, it is crucial to begin collecting them as soon as possible, before you even schedule an initial consultation with an attorney.
The Documents You Will Need for Your Workplace Discrimination Case
Depending on the type of harassment you experience in the workplace, the documents you need may differ. Therefore, we will review the variety of documents that may be essential in a range of different cases. That said, not every form of harassment can be traced back to tangible documents. If this is the case for your situation, consider keeping a journal to document incidents of harassment or discrimination, providing as much detail as possible. Your entries should include the location, date, time, a description of the act in question, and any witnesses you may have seen it occur.
Here are some other documents that may help strengthen your workplace discrimination case:
- Your pay records: Did you lose time from work due to discrimination or harassment? If so, you may be able to recover lost wages by obtaining your pay records and sharing them with your attorney. You will need to show the difference in your earnings before and after the discrimination started, which is why these documents are essential.
- Your employment record: Your attorney will need to know if you received poor performance reviews or any disciplinary warnings. You will find this information in your personnel file and, if you cannot obtain it yourself, your attorney can.
- Your company policies and employee handbook: Many employee handbooks have anti-discrimination policies and, in some cases, these policies are posted in areas where employees frequently spend time, such as lunch areas or locker rooms. Obtaining copies will be helpful for your case.
- Physical evidence: If you have physical evidence, such as an inappropriate message or a picture that was sent to you or left on your desk, provide a copy for your attorney.
- Medical records: If the discrimination or harassment resulted in a medical condition, such as high blood pressure, or resulted in you seeking mental health treatment, you should produce copies of these records as well.
Discuss Your Workplace Discrimination Case Today!
If you were discriminated against in the workplace, you will need an experienced attorney to advocate on your behalf. At The Law Firm of John P. Mahoney, Esq., Attorney at Law, our knowledgeable team is prepared to provide the exceptional legal guidance you need to protect your rights and interests.
Call us today at (202) 350-3881 to request a consultation.