Expert: Michael Troy - 11/3/2006

Question
My 58 year old brother was laid off tues after 13 years at a car dealership bodyshop because they had to make room for a 30 year employee being transferred in. Goes further, but that is the short explanation. Work was not an issue. Feels wronged. Who can he contact in the Milwaukee area?

Answer
Hi Howard,

On its face, your description certainly sounds like it raises an issue of age discrimination.

He can file a complaint with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development:

http://www.eeoc.gov/milwaukee/index.html

http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/discrimination_civil_rights/publication_erd_6160_pwe...

Statutes of limitations are very short for these sorts of cases, so I don't recommend any delay.

If you are looking for an attorney (which I recommend) I don't have any specific recommendations, but you you can find a list of discrimination attorneys in your area here:

http://lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/firm/Discrimination/Milwaukee/Wisconsin

Legal fees should not be an issue.  In discrimination cases, your attorney should be able to collect fees from the employer if you win the case.  If the attorney thinks you have a reasonable case, he/she should be willing to take it at little or no cost to you.  A common practice is for you to pay out of pocket costs (e.g. filing fees, copying costs, etc.) but actual legal fees are paid by the other side and only if you win.

I hope this helps!
- Mike