When discrimination strikes at work, victims often need time to process what happened and to decide whether to come forward. But many employees do not realize that a valid discrimination case often depends entirely on the calendar until it is too late.
Employment discrimination deadlines are among the strictest in the legal system, and the clock starts running the moment the act occurs. If you are a worker in Pennsylvania who has experienced discrimination at your job, understanding these deadlines is key to holding your employer accountable while safeguarding your rights.
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) timeline
If you faced discrimination in your workplace, you generally must file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) within 180 days of the incident. Missing this short window can often bar you from pursuing state-level legal remedies.
Because Pennsylvania recently changed that deadline, the time limit now typically depends on when the discriminatory act occurred and not when you lodged a complaint. Our firm represents discrimination victims across Pennsylvania, including residents of Erie, Warren, McKean and Crawford Counties.
Federal deadlines and the process
Unlike the PHRA deadline, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) generally allows you to pursue a complaint within 300 days of the incident. If you file within the first 180 days, you can protect your rights under both state and federal law at the same time through the agencies’ dual-filing agreement. Waiting until between day 181 and day 300 can cause you to lose your chance to pursue your state-level claims, even if the EEOC accepts your federal complaint on time.
Why acting quickly matters
Not preserving important evidence in advance can be difficult because your coworkers’ memories can fade as time passes. Emails, messages and other documents may also be deleted or become harder to find.
Courts can sometimes pause a filing deadline in limited circumstances in a process called tolling. However this is a rare event, making it safest not to rely on an exception. Having a lawyer assess your situation early can also help you identify the clearest path toward resolution.
The first step toward protecting your career
You do not have to decide today whether you want to pursue a workplace discrimination case, but protecting your ability to seek justice is still vital. McNair Law Offices, PLLC can help you preserve your claim so time does not run out before you have had your day in court.