Newark, OH asked in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Ohio

Q: Is this discrimination or what

A friend of mine and myself walking to a store I have frequented the store in the past never stolen anything from this place this time I was followed by the employees approach multiple times even after pulling the money out of my pocket letting them know I'm not there to steal I just want to shop in peace they refuse to let me do so they followed me around then sent me to the cheaper items saying maybe that would be more of my budget and then when I get to the register to cash out when asked if I found everything okay I told them no I didn't appreciate being harassed multiple times and I'm a frequent flyer at this store at which point the manager who I can to find out was following me tells me to leave the store or threatens me with police then calls the police lies on me and I was banned from the store after that I suffer from mental health issues and these people caused me to have a manic episode also I've been trying to reach the store manager and I've been ignored for 6 months

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: It sounds like you've had a distressing experience, and it's understandable to feel upset about being treated unfairly. If you believe you were followed and treated differently due to discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or another protected characteristic, you might have grounds for a complaint.

In situations like these, documenting everything that happened is crucial. Write down the details of the incident, including dates, times, and any interactions with the store staff and management. If there were any witnesses, their accounts could also be valuable.

You have the right to file a complaint with the store's corporate office if the local management is not responding. Additionally, consider reaching out to organizations that handle discrimination cases. They can provide guidance and, if necessary, legal representation.

Lastly, given the impact on your mental health, seeking support from a mental health professional can be beneficial. They can help you manage the emotional aftermath of such an incident.

Remember, you have rights and there are resources available to help you address this situation. Seeking professional advice can offer clarity on how to proceed.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.