What We Do

Michigan and Federal discrimination laws cover:

  • Sexual harassment

  • Religious discrimination

  • Marital status

  • Pregnancy

Although Americans have made great strides, discrimination of all kinds still exists. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Deborah L. Gordon are experts in all areas of discrimination law and will provide you with confidential advice.

  • Race

  • Gender

  • Age

  • National origin

  • Disability

Employment Discrimination

We’re selective in the cases we choose.

Discrimination claims can be hard to prove. We will review your situation and determine if a law has been violated.

Timing matters.

You may have a limited time window to bring a claim. If you attempt to file outside of the time frame, your case may be barred. 

State and federal laws prohibit discrimination in employment, education, and public accommodations. If your legal rights have been violated, you may feel confused and overwhelmed.

Understand your options.

If you have noticed anything illegal at work and you blow the whistle, the law states that you cannot be retaliated against. Despite this law, your employer may retaliate against an employee for taking action.

Michigan has laws protecting those who report or threaten to report any illegal act committed by their employer.

This law encourages you to stand up for what is right. If you are retaliated against, you need a lawyer. If we determine that we could win your case and your Whistleblower Protection Act claim is successful, you could be entitled to recover the damages you suffered during your period of unemployment and into the future. There is a time limit- you have only 90 days from the day you were retaliated against to file the lawsuit. Contact us as soon as possible.

Whistleblowers

 It takes courage to report your employer to outside agencies.

IN TODAY'S ECONOMY, NO ONE, AT ANY AGE, CAN AFFORD TO BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST.

Businesses and the government are feeling the push to cut back as budgets dwindle and debts increase. In many cases, the older employees are the first to be terminated. We understand the realities of today's economy and the impact it has on more senior employees.

Age Discrimination

Many victims of sexual harassment and discrimination are afraid to report the incident.

You may feel that if you say or do anything, your career will be over. We can help you find strategies and discuss your options. The earlier we can help in your sexual harassment and discrimination case, the better.

Sexual Harassment & Gender Discrimination

Although we live in the 21st century, sexual discrimination and harassment still exist in the workforce. While this is an unfortunate reality, state and federal laws exist that can protect you.

Additionally, call us if you are pregnant or just had a baby and have noticed a change in how you are treated at work. Pregnancy discrimination is illegal. From bus drivers to corporate executives, we have served many clients who have been sexually harassed or discriminated against in Michigan.

Some victims feel if they ignore the behavior, the harassment will stop.

Discover your legal options. 

Michigan civil rights laws state that an employee should not be treated differently after reporting an incident of discrimination. Retaliation lawsuits can take many forms, including:

Retaliation for having filed or complained about sexual harassment or other discrimination that was directed at you or a co-worker.

  • Public policy tort: If your employer asks you to do something illegal and you refuse, you should not be terminated or punished.

  • Workers' compensation: Some employers would prefer that you not file for workers' compensation benefits when injured on the job. Call us if you are retaliated against because you filed for worker's compensation.

  • You should not be treated differently for taking time off work for disability or illness.

  • If you are pregnant or just had a baby, your employer cannot discriminate against you.

Employment Retaliation

You did the right thing.

You reported the harassment or discrimination you were experiencing at work. Suddenly, or slowly over time, you notice that your job duties are changing, or you did not get a bonus. Perhaps you have been fired. This may be illegal retaliation.

However, your employer may have a policy or practice of discharging employees only for good or just cause. That policy may exist in a handbook or may be based on your reasonable expectations.

Wrongful Discharge

If you are a non-union employee and have no written contract in Michigan, you may be an at-will employee. Your employer does not need a good reason, or just cause, to fire you.

 At-Will Employment vs. Just Cause Employment Status

Some have been harmed by poorly trained or malicious police officers.

Many have been harassed or physically assaulted by the police, illegally detained, or improperly tased.

In addition to compensating victims, these cases send a strong message to law enforcement everywhere that such conduct will not be tolerated.

Police Misconduct

Police Brutality and Misconduct are Illegal.

We have gained million-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients

FMLA Laws Dictate Time Off For Those Dealing With Certain Medical Situations

The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1983 requires that the employer continue health care benefits during the leave and return the employee to the same job upon return. Although this law is more than 30 years old, employers still violate it. Even subtle discrimination, like a change of job duties, can constitute discrimination. We protect the rights of employees who have been denied such leave or who have been discriminated against because they took leave. 

FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT

  • Hospitalization

  • Serious illness of yourself or family member, including elderly parents

  • Birth of a child – both parents, are eligible (Employers may not discriminate against pregnant women.)

  • Adoption – both parents are eligible

FMLA Experts

Employers must provide unpaid protected job leave for qualified employees.

Depending on the number of days you have worked for a company, you are entitled to time off for specific medical reasons. These include: