Workplace discrimination occurs when a company’s owner or manager treats an employee (or applicant) less favorably because of one or more protected characteristics. Federal laws already make it illegal to discriminate in any phase of employment, from hiring and firing to pay and promotions.
Workplace discrimination remains a persistent issue throughout the country, but our award-winning employment discrimination attorneys can help hold employers accountable for their misconduct. However, many of our clients wonder, “is it worth suing a company for discrimination?” Read on and contact our team today to learn if taking your employer to court over a violation is a good idea.
If your employer has treated you unfairly, fighting for your rights is almost always worth it. However, Minnesota is an employment-at-will state, meaning employers are allowed to fire workers at any time for any legal reason. To win a lawsuit, you must prove that discrimination was the driving factor behind your mistreatment or wrongful termination, based on a protected characteristic such as:
This is not an exhaustive list of protected characteristics. If you are unsure whether you have a claim, take action by contacting our team for a free case evaluation.
While it may be worth it to take legal action against a company, you cannot immediately file a discrimination lawsuit in court. First, you must file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within the appropriate timeline.
The investigating agency will then review your charge and notify your employer. Depending on the findings, it may try to settle the dispute through informal conciliation or dismiss the charge.
It is worth it to work with our team at Wanta Thome Employment Lawyers when pursuing a discrimination lawsuit against your company or employer. Our lawyers focus on strategic negotiation and client-centered communication, helping to achieve a positive case outcome and ensuring you remain informed.
If your claim is successful, you may be eligible for compensation for wages and benefits you lost. You may also receive compensatory damages to cover emotional pain and suffering, and punitive damages to punish your employer if they are guilty of malicious conduct.
There are caps in place that limit your damages. Under federal law, the combined total of compensatory and punitive damages is capped based on the size of the company. If you work for a company with 15 to 100 employees, the cap is $50,000. For businesses that employ more than 500 workers, it is $300,000.
To evaluate the strength of your case, consult with an employment attorney at Wanta Thome. We can review your evidence and let you know if it is worth suing a company for discrimination.
Let our experienced legal team hold the at-fault party responsible for treating you in a discriminatory way. Reach out to one of our offices near you and schedule a time to talk.
What Constitutes a Hostile Work Environment in Minnesota?
Sexually Harassed at Work and Nothing Changed When You Reported It? A $1.49 Million Case Shows Why That’s Illegal