Age discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employee or job applicant is treated less favorably because of their age, typically 40 years or older. This can include being passed over for promotions, being terminated or laid off, or being subjected to harassment or a hostile work environment.

There are several laws in place to protect older employees from age discrimination in the workplace. These include the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals who are 40 years of age or older; the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), which protects older employees from being forced to waive their ADEA rights; and various state laws that provide additional protections.

If you believe you have been a victim of age discrimination in the workplace, you should document any evidence of discriminatory behavior and report it to your employer’s human resources department. You may also wish to consult with an employment lawyer who specializes in age discrimination cases.

Employers are not allowed to discriminate against older workers in favor of younger workers, even if the younger workers are more qualified or have more experience. However, employers are allowed to favor younger workers if they have a valid reason, such as needing workers with certain skills or abilities that are more commonly found in younger workers.

If you win an age discrimination lawsuit, you may be entitled to recover damages for lost wages, emotional distress, and attorney’s fees. In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages, which are intended to punish the employer for their discriminatory behavior.