Ohio employees can often sue for discrimination or retaliation. The law generally applies once an employer has 4 or more employees in Ohio (R.C. 4112.01(A)(2)). You usually must file an Ohio Civil Rights Commission charge first, then generally have 2 years from the discriminatory practice to sue (R.C. 4112.052). Jeckering & Associates, LLC represents employees from its Columbus office.
This page provides general information, not legal advice about your matter. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Can I sue my employer for discrimination in Ohio?
At-will does not mean anything goes. Ohio employers can fire for many reasons, or none. They cannot fire, demote or cut pay because of race, sex, age, disability, religion or another protected trait, or because you complained about it.
Is my employer covered? The 4-employee rule
Ohio’s discrimination law reaches the state, its political subdivisions and any employer with 4 or more employees within Ohio (R.C. 4112.01(A)(2)). A small payroll does not put your employer above the law.
Race discrimination at work in Columbus
Ohio makes it an unlawful discriminatory practice for an employer to fire you without just cause, refuse to hire you, or treat you worse in pay, terms or conditions because of race or color (R.C. 4112.02(A)). We build the comparison your employer hoped no one would make: who was promoted, disciplined or paid differently, and when. Our race discrimination at work page lays out the laws, the proof and the clocks.
Age discrimination claims in Columbus
Age is on the same list of protected traits in R.C. 4112.02(A), and federal law also bars age discrimination at work. Age claims carry their own filing rules, so we map the right clock before your employer runs it out.
Disability, religion and pregnancy: accommodation fights
Disability and religion are protected traits under R.C. 4112.02(A). Ohio law treats discrimination because of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions as sex discrimination (R.C. 4112.01(B)). A denied request, forced leave or a sudden write-up after you disclosed a condition or a pregnancy is a record we take apart. Save the request emails and every written answer. Our disability accommodation guide covers how to ask and what your employer may require.
Ohio deadlines: the OCRC charge and the 2-year rule
Two agencies, two clocks. State claims generally begin with an Ohio Civil Rights Commission charge, and the lawsuit is generally due within 2 years, with the time paused while the charge is pending. Federal claims run through the EEOC: in Ohio, a charge is generally due within 300 days, and after a Notice of Right to Sue, the lawsuit must be filed within 90 days. Missing either clock can end a strong case. Columbus employees should check both deadlines early.
Severance papers on the table? Don’t sign until we’ve read them: 614-944-5151.
Retaliation after you complain to HR
Retaliation is often the stronger claim. If you reported harassment, discrimination or a safety problem and then lost shifts, a promotion or the job, the timing itself is evidence. See retaliation after a complaint and, when the report was about sexual conduct, our guide to sexual harassment on the job in Ohio.
What to save, starting today
- Performance reviews and any sudden change in them.
- Emails or texts about your complaint, and who you told.
- Schedules, pay records and the names of coworkers treated differently.
- The termination letter or the reason you were given.
Use your own device, and save nothing you are not allowed to keep.
When the employer is a public body
Government employers raise constitutional claims too. See civil rights claims against police and government officials. If a ruling goes against you, see civil appeals.
Why clients hire us
- We prepare every case to be tried, so the severance offer reflects what a jury could do.
- We represent employees only, so no employer client is ever on the other side of your interests.
- We calendar the state and federal clocks at the first meeting.
- We build the case from your employer’s own records, obtained in discovery.
FAQ
Is Ohio an at-will state, and can I still sue?
Yes, Ohio is at-will, and you can still sue if you were fired for an illegal reason such as discrimination or retaliation.
What deadlines apply to an employment discrimination claim in Ohio?
Generally 2 years for a state-law civil action under R.C. 4112.052, after an OCRC charge. Federal EEOC charges in Ohio are generally due within 300 days, and a federal lawsuit within 90 days of a Notice of Right to Sue.
Do I have to file with the OCRC before suing?
Generally yes for state-law discrimination claims. R.C. 4112.052 requires a charge first, with limited exceptions.
What counts as retaliation?
Retaliation is punishment for protected activity, such as complaining about discrimination or taking part in an investigation. Firing, demotion, cut hours and worse assignments can all count.
Does my employer have enough employees to be covered?
Ohio’s discrimination law applies to any employer that employs 4 or more people in Ohio, under R.C. 4112.01(A)(2). Federal laws use higher thresholds.
What evidence should I save after being fired?
Everything that shows the timeline from your complaint to the firing: the termination notice, reviews, pay records, schedules and messages about the complaint.
Can I sue for age discrimination in Columbus?
Yes. Ohio and federal law prohibit age discrimination, and the filing rules differ from other claims, so get the deadlines checked early.
Talk about your case before the other side sets the story
We fight for your rights against HR, the handbook and company counsel. Call 614-944-5151 or tell us how it ended.
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Jeckering & Associates, LLC · Columbus office: 10 N High St, Suite 301, Columbus, OH 43215 · 614-944-5151 · Mechanicsburg office: 16 S Main St, Mechanicsburg, OH 43044 · 937-896-2222 · staff@centralohiolegal.com · Hours Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:30 PM