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Common misconceptions exist in the corporate world about the age of certain employees and their capability to perform tasks that they have accomplished throughout their careers. Although some employers may believer that as individuals age, the quality of their work deteriorates, individuals of all ages are protected in many states.

By legal definition, if your employer believes that he or she is a greater risk by employing you due to your age and consequently fires you, you are a victim of what is known as "age discrimination."

Although many individuals might initially assume that discrimination is only based on race, many forms of prejudice exist and often result in discriminatory acts based on gender, sexual-orientation, religion, and even age.

In some cases, older individuals will be let go for reasons unassociated with their age. Because you certainly don't want to leave an organization with a wake of dramatic gossip behind you, you'll want to be sure that you ask a lot of clear, direct questions to your employer so that he or she can provide you with a valid, comprehensive answer as to why you were let go.

If your boss cannot provide you with a reasonable and justifiable argument as to why he or she chose to fire you, then your first step should be to speak with an attorney. A lawyer is trained to handle these cases and will outline steps that you will need to take to ensure that you receive compensation for acts of discrimination against you.

Most likely your attorney will advise you to gather any pertinent information to build your case such as any concrete examples that can serve as proof of discrimination. Evidence can include e-mail communications, memorandums, or any other incidents that may include witness affidavits. Other pertinent information might include any human resources or corporate policies.

Additionally, counselors will often suggest that individuals speak directly to the Human Resources department of your organization. Human resources professionals are trained to investigate and evaluate incidents of discrimination. Reporting discrimination to your human resource department is crucial, especially if the prejudiced individual will continue to practice discrimination within the organization.

Human resources professionals will also assist you in completing and filing all necessary paperwork to make a formal claim regarding discrimination, especially pertaining to age. Most states have legislation in place to protect older or aging citizens from being discriminated against in the workplace, often being forced into early retirement by their employing organizations.

Overall, if you think you've been fired because of your age, the most important thing to remember to do is stay calm. Do not overreact or cause an emotionally-driven scene at your place of business. Remember to, above all, maintain your composure and rationality and prove that you are still at the top of your game, regardless of your age. The paper work will take care of your argument later, and chances are, you're protected by the law.

Learn more about this author, Krystle Hernandez.
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