Avoid Getting Sued (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
“Employment discrimination lawsuits are on the in- crease,” said Pam Howland, an employment litigation de- fense attorney and founder of Idaho Employment Lawyers ( idemploymentlawyers.com ). “Employers need to take steps to reduce unintended management errors that can spark costly litigation.” The numbers tell the tale. The EEOC processed 88,201 new discrimination charges in fiscal year 2025, a 44 per- cent increase over the number five years earlier. Why the increase? Attorneys point to a number of reasons—not least an increased awareness of worker rights and a reg- ulatory expansion of disability-related claims. There has also been greater labor market volatility, with attendant hirings, firings and promotions creating the very situations that can spark bias lawsuits.
Precision Anilox & Glue Roll Technology
Meanwhile, workers are protected by an upsurge in legislative and regulatory actions from a variety of juris- dictions. “Our society is increasingly bureaucratized,” said Charles Krugel, a labor and employment lawyer ( charlesakrugel.com ). “Businesses must deal with federal, state, and local laws governing the employment relation- ship.” Court interpretations can also expand the scope of legislation. Some of the new regulations may seem surprising. In more than 20 states, for example, employers are banned from asking prospective workers about salary histories. “The law is trying to balance out gender inequities,” ex- plained Rafael E. Lázaro, founding partner of Lázaro Law Group ( lazarolawgroup.com ). “The idea is that a pros- pect’s pay from previous employment could be the result of bias, and the goal is to give the person a fresh start.” The categories of protected characteristics are also in- creasing. They include race, age, sex, disability, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, preg- nancy and genetic information, along with mental illness. Recent expansions have included marital and caregiver status, political affiliation, and even lawful off-duty con- duct. Additionally, people are protected against penalties for caring for disabled family members. Higher Penalties Whatever the specific charge, the risk of elevated fi- CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
apexinternational.com
22 July 13, 2026
www.boardconvertingnews.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker