Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers can help you if your rights are being violated in the workplace in Seattle. This covers a lot of ground, but one of the most common–and demoralizing–violations can happen when you’re being discriminated against. Whether it’s your race, age, gender, or any other characteristic, the law is on your side. Our team can help you hold your employer accountable. Set up a free consultation today.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
Workplace discrimination is always an issue–no matter where or how it happens. But when it happens to you, it brings up a lot of different questions. Even if you’re aware that you have certain options, taking action against your employer is a very difficult choice to make. You rely on your job to pay your bills and support your family, so doing anything that threatens your job is scary.
Even still, you’re not required to have a lawyer to file a workplace discrimination complaint in Washington—but having one can make a real difference, especially when you’re dealing with an employer that isn’t taking you seriously–or worse, is actively trying to punish you. If you’re not sure whether you need legal help, here are a few signs it might be time to talk to someone:
- You’ve reported the issue internally, but nothing has changed—or it’s gotten worse
- You’ve been fired, demoted, or denied opportunities after speaking up
- You’re unsure whether what’s happening even counts as discrimination
- You’re being pressured to stay quiet, sign something, or accept a settlement
- You’re feeling overwhelmed trying to go through it all on your own
At Ferraro Vega Employment Lawyers, we can help you understand your rights, build strong claims, and take action when employers cross the line. We know the system, and we know how to move through it—without making things harder than they need to be.
What Does Washington Law Say About Workplace Discrimination?
In Washington, workplace discrimination is illegal—and that protection isn’t limited to just one law. Both state and federal laws work together to make sure you’re treated fairly on the job.
Washington’s main anti-discrimination law is the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD). It applies to most employers across the state and protects workers from being mistreated based on what the law calls “protected characteristics.” These include:
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion or creed
- National origin
- Disability (physical, sensory, or mental)
- Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
- Age (40 and older)
- Marital status
- Pregnancy or maternity-related conditions
- Military or veteran status
At its core, workplace discrimination means being treated unfairly—not because of your skills, but because of who you are. That unfair treatment can take many forms, such as:
- Not being hired due to your race, religion, age, or other protected trait
- Being paid less than others doing the same job
- Getting passed over for promotions or desirable assignments
- Having your job conditions changed—like schedule, duties, or location—based on a protected trait
- Being harassed or bullied in a way that creates a hostile work environment
- Getting fired for reasons that don’t relate to your performance or conduct
- Not receiving reasonable accommodations for a disability
Discrimination doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. Sometimes it starts subtly—being left out of meetings, ignored for advancement, or suddenly micromanaged. Over time, these patterns can lead to more serious harm.
What Do I Need to Do If I’m Facing Discrimination at Work?
Recognizing discrimination is one thing—knowing what to do next is another. In a lot of cases, the discrimination is If something at work doesn’t feel right, here are steps that can help you protect yourself:
- Start documenting everything – Every discrimination claim is going to come down to documentation. Make sure you write down:
- Dates, times, who was involved
- What was said or done
- Where it happened.
- Save emails or texts that show patterns.
This kind of documentation can make a huge difference later.
- Report things internally first – In most cases, you’ll want to bring your concerns to HR or a trusted manager. This puts your employer on notice and gives them a chance to correct the issue. Be as detailed as possible, and ask for a written response. That helps create a paper trail in case the situation doesn’t improve.
- Take care of yourself – Workplace discrimination isn’t just a legal issue—it takes a toll emotionally and mentally. Make time to care for yourself. Reach out to friends, family, or even a therapist. You’re not overreacting for feeling shaken up by this.
Obviously, it’s not easy to go through discrimination at work. It makes everything harder, but by taking these steps, you give your potential claim a solid foundation.
What Options Do I Have For Filing a Workplace Discrimination Claim in Seattle?
Once you report discrimination, your employer is legally required to take steps to fix it. However, if they don’t take “corrective action”—or if the situation worsens—you may need to explore your legal options. In Seattle, you typically have two main paths forward:
- File a Complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) – This is usually the first step to take. The WSHRC is the government agency that’s responsible for looking into claims of workplace discrimination and can intervene on your behalf. If they believe your claim has merit, they may try to resolve it with your employer or give you the clearance (called a “Notice of Right to Sue”) to file a lawsuit.
- Civil lawsuit – If internal reports and administrative complaints don’t resolve the issue, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. A discrimination lawsuit can help you recover “damages” like:
- Lost pay or benefits
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- Emotional distress damages
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- Legal fees and costs
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- Possible reinstatement or promotion
Keep in mind, there are strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) on these claims—usually within six months for a WSHRC complaint to three years for a lawsuit. Missing these deadlines means you can’t file a claim at all–no matter how strong it is.
Free Consultations For Workplace Discrimination Victims in Seattle
No one goes to work expecting to be treated differently because of who they are—but it happens far too often. If you’ve been sidelined, harassed, or pushed out of your job because of your identity, you deserve support.
Ferraro Vega Employment lawyers help Seattle workers who’ve experienced discrimination reclaim their voice and explore their options. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
