Whenever people pursue a claim against their employer, the process can be time-consuming and lead to different conclusions. A Colorado hospital worker has pursued a race discrimination suit that has gone on for several years, as the case has now reached an appeals court. The Hispanic cafeteria employee worked at the hospital for six years before leaving and taking legal action against her supervisors.
The 52-year-old says she was the subject of repeated anti-latino jokes. She says she was also humiliated as she was subjected to taunts about a criminal in the news with her same last name. The woman left the job in 2007 after being placed on unpaid leave. There are discrepancies about whether she left on her own or was forced to resign.
The first case she brought forth was deemed to be unfounded, and there are high standards involved in claiming race discrimination. When the first case was not beneficial, she sought an appeal. The cafeteria worker is seeking pay restitution in the amount of $400,000 for pay she would’ve made and also $214,000 for back pay from her employer. She is also seeking damages for psychological trauma.
Cases of race discrimination in Colorado may be difficult to prove, as there may be proof or witnesses needed to back up claims of incidents or complaints. When someone feels they have been terminated or have suffered due to race discrimination, they may pursue legal action that could garner back pay, future pay or some amount of damages. Anyone dealing with employment issues they believe are related to race discrimination may benefit from understanding the law and also what type of compensation may be possible.
Source: aspendailynews.com, Valley View Hospital faces racial discrimination lawsuit, Nelson Harvey, Jan. 27, 2014