Employment Lawyers Fighting for Workers’ Rights in New Jersey, Pennsylvania & Throughout the United States

What Is The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act?

What Is The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act?

If you have been discriminated against illegally, there are several laws that might apply to what happened to you. While there are multiple federal laws that govern prohibited discrimination, you may also bring a claim under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. The employment lawyers at Swartz Swidler can help you to determine whether you should file your claim under federal law or under the PHRA.

What is the PHRA’s purpose?

The PHRA is a law that covers employment discrimination against workers by their employers for certain illegal reasons. The state enacted the law because workers who are not given equal employment opportunities may not reach their fullest potentials or enjoy the standards of living that they should. When people who have protected statuses suffer employment discrimination and are not given equal opportunities, they may then be forced to access public welfare.

Schedule an appointment today. Call (856) 685-7420 or

Schedule an appointment today.
Call (856) 685-7420 or

Prohibited discrimination under the PHRA

Under the PHRA, employers are prohibited from discriminating against people on the basis of their protected statuses, including race, creed, color, ancestry, agesex, national origin, disability or using support animals. They are not allowed to discriminate against individuals or independent contractors on these prohibited bases. The protections extend to all aspects of employment and contracts.

Like the PHRA, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also prohibits discrimination based on many categories of protected characteristics. For instance, if you think that you were not hired for a job because of your gender, color or race, you might have valid grounds to file a lawsuit against the employer under either the PHRA or Title VII.

While you may think that you were not hired or were discriminated against based on your protected status, it is not always the case. There are a number of exceptions to the PHRA. It is important that you thoroughly evaluate the statute before filing a lawsuit. The experienced lawyers at Swartz Swidler understand the provisions of both the PHRA and of the many federal laws that prohibit discrimination. They may evaluate what happened in your particular case and provide you with an honest assessment of whether or not you have a valid claim. If they agree to accept your case, they may then file a lawsuit on your behalf. Contact Swartz Swidler to learn more about your potential rights.

Most Frequently Asked Question: Do I Have A Case?

While it is true that every case is different, The law is pretty clear in most cases. The best way to determine if you have a case is to contact one of our attorneys. For more information check out the FAQ below or visit our FAQ Page

Most Frequently Asked Question:
Do I Have A Case?

While it is true that every case is different, The law is pretty clear in most cases. The best way to determine if you have a case is contact one of our attorneys. For more information on a just a few scenarios checkout the flip box FAQ below or visit our FAQ Page.

Our Locations

Haddonfield Headquarters

9 Tanner Street, Ste. 101
Haddonfield, NJ 08033

Phone: (856) 685-7420
Fax: (856) 685-7417

Philadelphia Satellite Office

123 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 995-2733

Our Locations

Haddonfield Headquarters

9 Tanner Street, Ste. 101
Haddonfield, NJ 08033

Phone: (856) 685-7420
Fax: (856) 685-7417

 

Philadelphia Satellite Office

123 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: (215) 995-2733