Ohio law forbids discrimination because of race and age. If you choose to pursue one or both of these claims, you can do so by filing a charge with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or by hiring an attorney.
In order to establish a basic claim, you have to prove that you are in the protected group (i.e. African American and over 40 years old); that you were qualified for your position (good performance, little or no disciplinary actions); and suffered an adverse employment decision (fired). Once you meet this basic criteria, then the employer has an opportunity to respond by stating a "legitimate non-discriminatory" reason for your discharge. It's then up to you to show how this reason is not the "real" reason.
Answered on Jan 13th, 2014 at 12:00 PM