St. Louis Sex Discrimination Attorneys
Holding Biased Employers Accountable in Missouri
Every employee is entitled to work in a safe, non-discriminatory work environment. While Missouri workers are protected by various state and federal laws, this doesn’t stop discriminatory practices in the workplace. If you were discriminated against because of your sex in St. Louis, you deserve justice. Sedey Harper Westhoff is committed to restoring your safety and economic security by fighting tirelessly to hold discriminatory employers accountable.
Whether you work for a small business or a Fortune 500 corporation, our firm believes in protecting the rights of all workers. Our sex discrimination lawyers have a deep understanding of employment law to help you navigate the complexities of your case and pursue a favorable outcome. Put over 40 years of experience on your side by partnering with our nationally recognized attorneys.
Don’t let an unethical employer tarnish your professional reputation. Our skilled advocates can vigorously protect your rights. Call (314) 819-0963 to schedule a consultation.
What Constitutes Sex Discrimination in Missouri?
Sex discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfavorably because of their sex. This not only includes decisions regarding hiring and firing, but also extends to pay inequities, promotions, job assignments, and training opportunities.
Types of Sex Discrimination in the Workplace
From inappropriate jokes to the gender pay gap, sex discrimination can take many different forms in the workplace. Women may experience different treatment than their male co-workers in the workplace, or vice versa. Our attorneys represent workers facing various types of sex discrimination, such as:
- Wrongful termination
- Equal pay for equal work
- Pregnancy discrimination
- Denial of promotion or raises
No matter your legal circumstances, you can trust us to vigorously safeguard your rights and fight tirelessly to hold unethical employers accountable.
What Laws Protect Against Sex Discrimination?
Employers are prohibited from implementing policies or practices that negatively affect one sex more than the other, unless these are job-related and necessary for business operations. Various state and federal laws protect workers from discrimination on the basis of sex, including the Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
If you are a victim of sex discrimination in the workplace, seeking sound counsel from a trusted sex discrimination lawyer is paramount to understanding your rights and exploring potential avenues for recourse. Our firm is well-versed in employment law to help you pursue justice while guiding your steps wisely throughout the claims process.
Recognizing Sex Discrimination in the Workplace
While sex discrimination can manifest in a variety of ways, some forms are more subtle than others. Recognizing sex discrimination in the workplace is critical to protecting your rights and economic security. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
- Differential treatment, such as gendered trends in hiring or promotions.
- Receiving a smaller salary compared to colleagues of the opposite sex in the same role without a legitimate justification.
- Sexual harassment, such as unwanted advances or persistent inappropriate comments based on gender.
- Retaliation, such as firing an employee who filed a sexual harassment complaint against a colleague of the opposite sex.
- Biased practices or policies, such as assigning less desirable tasks to employees of a particular gender or enforcing company policies that primarily affect one sex (e.g., biased dress codes or uniforms).
If you experienced sex discrimination in St. Louis, our lawyers can work diligently to hold your employer accountable. Contact us online to discuss your case.
FAQs About Workplace Sex Discrimination
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 314-819-0963 today!
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Can I File a Sex Discrimination Lawsuit Anonymously?
No, you cannot file a sex discrimination lawsuit anonymously with either the EEOC or MCHR. Consulting with an experienced sex discrimination attorney can help you determine the best course of action for your specific case.
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What Is the Difference Between Sex Discrimination & Sexual Harassment?
While sex discrimination and sexual harassment are similar concepts, they have important legal distinctions:
- Sex discrimination refers to the unfavorable treatment of employees because of their sex, affecting their employment opportunities, pay, promotions, or work conditions.
- Sexual harassment is a specific type of sex discrimination that includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
While sex discrimination encompasses a broad range of unfair practices, sexual harassment specifically refers to behaviors that create a hostile or intimidating work environment due to unwanted sexual attention. Regardless of whether you experienced sex discrimination or sexual harassment, our skilled advocates can thoroughly investigate your case to determine an appropriate legal recourse and help you pursue justice.
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Can I File a Sex Discrimination Claim as an Independent Contractor?
No. Independent contractors are generally prohibited from filing discrimination lawsuits because they are not protected under state or federal law. However, this doesn’t mean that pursuing justice isn’t possible.Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney is imperative to understand your legal options and protect your rights in the workplace.
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What Evidence Is Required to Win a Sex Discrimination Case?
To recover compensation in a sex discrimination case, the employee must prove that their employer treated them differently because of their sex. Some examples of relevant evidence include documents or records that demonstrate unequal pay, biased policies, or differential treatment based on gender. If you’re preparing to file a sex discrimination complaint in St. Louis, our lawyers can help you prepare by fortifying your claim with strong evidence and presenting a compelling case on your behalf.
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What Damages Are Recoverable in a Sex Discrimination Lawsuit?
Depending on the case, various types of compensation may be available in a sex discrimination claim. Consulting a trusted legal representative is imperative to accurately calculate available damages and pursue a favorable outcome.
Common recoverable damages include economic damages like back pay (lost wages), front pay (future lost wages), lost benefits (such as health insurance or retirement contributions), and any medical expenses related to the incident.
Employees can also seek non-economic damages, such as emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. While punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant for extreme negligence, Missouri law caps punitive damages at $500,000 or “five times the net amount of the judgement awarded to the plaintiff”—whichever is greater.
- We advise you about whether you have a case and how strong it is.
- We help you negotiate for severance or a better severance package.
- We file charges for you with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, and the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
- We prosecute your case in state and federal court for a just result.
We Get Results!
Our clients say we are smart, hard-working, aggressive advocates, who will fight for your rights.
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"I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."
They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.
- Francine K. -
"The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."
The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.
- Rickey D. -
"You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."
Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.
- Terry H.
Saint Louis, MO 63139 Map & Directions