Michigan Discrimination Lawyer
Protect Your Rights Under Michigan Discrimination Law
Workplace discrimination is more than just unfair — it’s a serious situation that can derail your career, damage your reputation, and affect your family. At Punchwork Law, we stand beside Michigan employees who have faced discrimination as well as employers who need guidance navigating these complex cases.
Our Michigan employment law team combines compassion with strength, ensuring every client, including you, gets both the empathy they deserve and the results they need.
Under Michigan discrimination law, you’re protected not only by federal statutes but also by unique state-level safeguards like the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA).
If you’ve been treated unfairly at work for any reason, our experienced Michigan discrimination attorneys are well-versed in Michigan state and federal laws and ready to help!
What Counts as Discrimination Under Michigan Law
Discrimination happens when you are treated unfairly in the workplace because of a characteristic protected by law, such as:
- Race or color
- Religion or national origin
- Age or sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation)
- Marital status
- Height or weight
- Arrest record
- Disability
In Michigan, the ELCRA and the WDCRA make it unlawful for employers to discriminate in hiring, firing, promotions, pay, or other employment conditions.
These protections go beyond federal laws like Title VII and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), making Michigan one of the best states for employee rights. Enforcement is carried out by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR), and violations can also fall under the jurisdiction of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
For more information about discrimination that would involve the EEOC, you can meet with a Punchwork Law Michigan EEOC lawyer.
Examples of Workplace Discrimination in Michigan
Discrimination isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s a single action, and other times, it’s a pattern of unfair treatment that you might brush off or underplay. Common examples of workplace discrimination, as underlined by the state of Michigan, include:
An employer refuses to hire or promote someone because of their age, gender, race, or weight. If it’s a trait you can’t control, it will fall under this category.
Employees in the same role receive different pay or benefits due to race, marital status, gender, or religion.
Employers refusing reasonable accommodations for things like medical conditions or religious practices.
Demotion, firing, or hostile treatment after an employee reports discrimination or cooperates in an investigation.
Michigan’s protections even extend to categories often overlooked, such as discrimination based on height, weight, or an arrest record. If you’ve been treated differently because of these traits, you may have a solid claim under Michigan Discrimination Law.
Your Rights as an Employee in Michigan
Every worker in Michigan has the right to a workplace free from discrimination and retaliation. Your guaranteed rights include:
Employers cannot make decisions about hiring, promotion, pay, or termination based on protected traits (see above).
Employees are entitled to accommodations for disabilities and religious practices, provided it doesn’t cause undue hardship.
Michigan is an “at-will” state, but employers cannot fire you for unlawful reasons, such as requesting medical leave or filing a legitimate complaint.
Michigan law prohibits any type of harassment, such as insults, threats, rumors, and even physical harassment. If it creates a hostile or intimidating workplace, it’s harassment.
You cannot be punished for reporting discrimination, filing a complaint, or assisting in an investigation.
Filing a Complaint? Here’s What You Need to Know:
- You must file with the MDCR within 180 days of the discriminatory act.
- Complaints may also be filed with the EEOC, which often works in partnership with the MDCR.
- Remedies can include reinstatement, back pay, damages for emotional harm, and orders requiring the employer to stop unlawful practices.
If you suspect you’ve been let go from your position for an illegal reason, it may fall under Michigan wrongful termination law, and we can help with that, too.
How A Michigan Discrimination Attorney Can Help
At Punchwork Law, we know discrimination cases are personal. Our role is to listen, strategize, and fight for your rights. Whether you are an employee seeking justice or an employer accused of discrimination, our Michigan Discrimination Law Firm offers:
- Comprehensive case evaluations to understand your unique circumstances.
- Guidance through filing with the MDCR or EEOC.
- Negotiation with employers to reach fair settlements.
- Aggressive representation in court when litigation is necessary.
We combine clear, compassionate counsel with the assertive advocacy you need when your future is on the line.
Call a Michigan Discrimination Lawyer Today
You don’t have to fight workplace discrimination alone. At Punchwork Law, our Michigan Discrimination Attorneys are ready to protect your rights and hold employers accountable. Whether your case involves hiring, promotions, pay, or wrongful termination, we’ll stand with you every step of the way.
Contact our Michigan discrimination law firm today for a confidential consultation.
