What Are The Legal Remedies Available For Employment Discrimination?

Suffering from discrimination at your workplace is truly distressing. It may leave you in a state of confusion regarding the condition of your future and what you should do. Many employees lack the knowledge that several laws protect them from experiencing such discrimination and stay silent. Even when they may be aware, they do not take action because they are worried about retaliation. 

However, there are laws that prevent your employer from taking any retaliatory action. If you have been a victim of workplace discrimination, you must report your employer and seek compensation. The presence of an experienced lawyer to assist you throughout the legal procedure is essential. You can find the best lawyer by searching for the employment discrimination lawyer near me. 

What is employment discrimination?

Employment discrimination occurs when employees are subjected to unfair treatment because of factors such as their age, race, nationality, sex, religion, and disability. The Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits the discrimination of any employee in the workplace, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is a federal agency that enforces it. 

What compensation do you receive?

• Back pay: The employee can recover their lost past wages and job benefits that they were owed. 

• Reinstatement: It is possible that the employee was wrongfully terminated because of discrimination or was fired for filing a complaint. They can return to their previous position at work. 

• Front pay: When reinstatement is not possible, employees are compensated for future lost wages and benefits till they find a new job. 

• Compensatory damages: Being discriminated against is very painful and can lead to excessive stress. It can risk the employee’s physical and mental health. They are compensated for any extra expenses because of the discrimination, such as medical bills. They are also compensated for their medical anguish and loss of enjoyment in life. 

• Punitive damages: Employers may have to pay punitive damages not to recover any lost costs of the employee but as punishment for their reckless misconduct. 

Is there a limit?

There is a limit within which the discriminated employee can claim compensatory and punitive damages. The limit varies depending on the number of employees an employer has. 

• When an employer has 15-100 employees, they can pay up to $50,000. 
• When an employer has 101-200 employees, they can pay up to $100,000. 
• When an employer has 201-500 employees, they can pay up to $200,000. 
• When an employer has over 500 employees, they can pay up to $300,000. 

You must receive the compensation you deserve to recover all of your past and future losses resulting from your employer’s discrimination. Your Connecticut lawyer understands the laws regarding your case in-depth and can guide you efficiently to enable you to seek your rightful compensation.