Valid Legal Claims Against Employers
Discrimination: Title VII, ADEA, ADA, and state laws prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics. Harassment: severe or pervasive harassment based on a protected characteristic. Retaliation: penalizing employees for protected activity (reporting discrimination, taking FMLA, filing EEOC charges). Wage theft: FLSA and state minimum wage, overtime violations. Wrongful termination in violation of public policy.
The EEOC: Mandatory First Step
For federal discrimination claims, filing an EEOC charge is mandatory before suing. File within 180 days (300 days in states with their own agencies) of the discriminatory act. After the EEOC issues a Right to Sue letter, you have 90 days to file. Do not miss these deadlines -- they permanently bar your claim.
What You Can Recover
Back pay, front pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress, punitive damages for willful violations (capped federally at $50K-$300K by employer size), and attorney's fees. California has no caps on FEHA damages, enabling larger recoveries.
Finding an Employment Attorney
Employment attorneys who represent employees work on contingency. The National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) directory and state bar referral services connect employees with experienced counsel. Related: Patent Infringement Lawsuit.
How to Get Legal Help
If you believe you qualify based on the eligibility criteria described above, the next step is a free consultation with an experienced attorney. Most plaintiff-side attorneys handling these cases work on contingency -- meaning you pay nothing unless your case results in a recovery. Bring any relevant documentation including receipts, correspondence, or evidence of the harm you experienced.
To stay current on case developments, claim deadlines, and settlement news, bookmark this page and subscribe to LawsuitWatch alerts. Coverage is updated as new court filings, settlement announcements, and eligibility changes are made public.
Free Legal Evaluation
Do You Qualify to File a Claim?
Our network of verified plaintiff attorneys offers free, no-obligation case evaluations. Contingency fee representation means you pay nothing unless you win.
Lawsuit Against Employer: Your Rights & How to Sue Your Company: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about this case and your legal options.
Can I sue my employer?
Yes, if they violated employment laws including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage theft, or FMLA.
Do I have to file with the EEOC first?
For federal discrimination claims, yes. File within 180-300 days.
Can I sue while still employed?
Yes. Many claims can be filed while still working. Retaliation for filing is itself illegal.
How much can I recover?
Back pay, front pay, emotional distress, and punitive damages. Federal caps apply; California has no caps.
What is the most important evidence?
Written documentation: emails, performance reviews, HR correspondence, and a contemporaneous diary of incidents.