What evidence is required to prove age discrimination?

How to Prove Age Discrimination

 

To establish an age discrimination claim, the employee must show that:

1. they were older than 40;
2. their suffered an adverse employment action;
3. they were qualified for the job and met the defendant’s legitimate expectations; and
4. their position remained open or was filled by a similarly qualified individual who was substantially younger.

A plaintiff suing under the ADEA must show that “but for” age discrimination, the adverse employment action would not have occurred.  “But for” caution is not tantamount to sole factor causation.  See Burrage v. United States, 134 S. Ct. 881, 888-89 (2014).  In a 2020 decision, the Supreme Court clarified that “a but-for test directs us to change one thing at a time and see if the outcome changes.  If it does, we have found a but-for cause.” Bostock v. Clayton Cty., 590 U. S. __ (2020), slip op at *6.

If you have suffered age discrimination, contact our experienced and effective age discrimination lawyers today to learn about your rights.  To schedule a preliminary consultation, email us at ebachman@zuckermanlaw.com or call Eric Bachman at (202) 769-1681.

See age discrimination lawyer Eric Bachman’s insights about age discrimination in a recent ABA Journal article A flood of age discrimination lawsuits is expected from COVID-19 and the economic downturn and his recent Forbes columns:

• If You Are 50+ You Likely Will Be Pushed Out Of Your Job, So Plan Now.
• COVID-19 Layoff Or Pretext For Age Discrimination Against Older Employees?

Experienced and Effective Age Discrimination Lawyers

Our experienced age discrimination lawyers represent victims of age discrimination in actions brought under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and state anti-discrimination laws.  Recently firm Principal Eric Bachman, in conjunction with co-counsel, secured a $1.3 million jury verdict in an age discrimination case.

In addition, Bachman is frequently quoted in the media offering his unique insights about discrimination laws, including in this recent interview with the AARP on Steps to Fight Against Age Discrimination, as well as being quoted in these articles: Sloppy company communication leads to age discrimination lawsuit and 7 signs you’ve been a victim of age discrimination.

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