Age discrimination is unique in many ways. We all start out young, and, God willing, we all grow old. This dynamic transcends all race, ethnic and class boundaries. American society worships youth. It pays lip service to valuing older people, but that's about it. The only cure for age discrimination is a radical overhaul in our society's values, but, frankly, I don't see this happening any time soon.
Victims of age discrimination who lose their jobs are hit with a triple whammy. First, because the job market is so bad, there are very few jobs available. Second, because age discrimination in hiring is so prevalent, it is that much harder to find a new job. Third, as you get older, your work expectancy gets shorter. This means that the economic consequences of a long period of unemployment are more likely to be permanent, because there is less time to recover from your losses. Employers know how vulnerable you are, and they demand that you sign a release of all claims before they will pay you a dime of severance.
In today's economy, workers over the age of 40 have been especially targeted. Companies use general lay offs and reductions in force as "cover" to get rid of many of their older employees. Those who have had any kind of medical issues or short term disabilities are often at the greatest risk, because they are in the cross hairs of two foci of discrimination. Employers see these individuals as economic risks, and they want them off their books.
As someone firmly ensconced in his late middle ages, I know how wrong age discrimination is. As a lawyer with 30 years of experience who has handled scores of age discrimination cases, I know how to prove an age discrimination case. If you think you may have been a victim of age discrimination, use the one click contact form below to contact my office, or visit my
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