Human Rights Violations

Protecting Your Rights: Understanding Human Rights Violations

Do not face workplace bullying and harassment alone. Get help from human rights lawyers.

If you are experiencing bullying or harassment at work, you might feel like you are fighting an uphill battle on your own. However, in Ontario, there are laws in place to protect employees, contractors, and workers from such mistreatment. The Ontario Human Rights Code (“Code”) safeguards individuals from human rights violations based on specific grounds. At our firm, our team of compassionate human rights lawyers are experienced in handling these cases. We are here to assess the unique circumstances of your situation and provide the support you need to safeguard your rights while seeking fair compensation for the harm done to your dignity, feelings, and self-respect.

Understanding Human Rights Violations

Human rights violations occur when an individual’s fundamental rights are infringed upon by others, whether by individuals or organizations. These violations can take various forms in the workplace, including discrimination or harassment based on protected grounds listed under Human Rights laws. 

Detecting and proving discrimination or harassment can be challenging without the assistance of our experienced human rights lawyers. You do not have to face these issues alone. Our dedicated team is here to assess your situation; guide you through the process; and determine the best course of action to protect your rights.

Understanding Your Protected Rights

The Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act ensure protection for 17 grounds:

• Age;
• Ancestry;
• Colour;
• Race;
• Citizenship;
• Ethnic origin;
• Place of origin;
• Creed;
• Disability;
• Family status;
• Marital status (even if you are single);
• Gender identity and gender expression (whether you identify as Trans or even if you are cisgender);
• Receipt of public assistance for housing matters;
• Record of offenses for employment matters;
• Sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, or breastfeeding); and
• Sexual orientation (even if you are straight or cisgender).

If you believe that you have faced discrimination or harassment based on any of these protected grounds, our dedicated team of human rights lawyers is here to provide support and guidance. We understand the complexities of these laws and are committed to helping you understand your rights and take action to protect them. Whether you have experienced discrimination based on these grounds, your employer’s perception of these grounds or your association to someone else based on these grounds, we will work tirelessly to ensure justice and fairness in your case.

What Are General Damages In Human Rights Violations Cases?

General damages refer to non-taxable funds awarded to an employee as compensation for the injury to their dignity, feelings, and the human rights violations they have endured. Essentially, these damages aim to address the emotional and psychological harm caused by the discrimination or harassment experienced.

The amount of general damages awarded in a human rights case can vary depending on the circumstances involved. In less severe cases, it may amount to a few thousand dollars, while in more severe cases, it could reach $30,000 or more. Ultimately, the final amount awarded depends on various factors, including the nature and impact of the discriminatory events.

What Are Special Damages In Human Rights Cases?

Special damages are essential in addressing the financial hardships caused by discrimination or harassment. If you have suffered financial losses due to the discriminatory treatment, you may be eligible for special damages along with general damages. These damages are specifically designed to cover various aspects of your financial burden.

Lost wages are a significant aspect covered by special damages. If your employer has discriminated against you, you may have experienced a loss of income from the date of termination until the date of a hearing or until you secure comparable employment. These lost wages can have a profound impact on your financial stability and overall well-being. Pursuing special damages provides an opportunity to seek compensation for this setback and regain your financial footing.

While special damages are generally taxable, a skilled human rights violations lawyer can provide invaluable guidance in structuring a settlement to minimize your tax liability whenever possible. They will leverage their expertise to ensure you receive fair and just compensation while considering potential tax implications. This way, you can optimize the financial outcome of your case and mitigate the impact on your overall financial situation.

How Achkar Law Can Help

As human rights law firm, Achkar Law assists employees who believe their workplace human rights have been violated. We listen to the employee’s experiences, thoroughly assess the case, and gather evidence. If needed, we help the employee file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal. Our lawyer advocates for the employee, negotiating with the employer to resolve the issue. If informal resolution fails, the lawyer represents the employee in formal proceedings before the tribunal, seeking remedies for the alleged violations. Our goal is to empower the employee, combat discrimination, and uphold workplace equality and fairness in line with Ontario’s human rights laws.

Contact Achkar Law

We understand that navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding human rights violations can be overwhelming. That’s why our team of dedicated human rights lawyers is here to support you every step of the way.

Do not hesitate to reach out to us to discuss your case and seek the justice and compensation you deserve. We are committed to protecting your rights; advocating for your well-being; and ensuring you receive the financial restitution necessary to rebuild your life and move forward with confidence.

If you are an employer or an employee needing assistance, our team of experienced human rights lawyers at Achkar Law can help.