What is the Average Settlement for a Discrimination or Retaliation Claim? Based on data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the typical settlement amount for employment discrimination claims stands around $40,000.
I've seen firsthand how these cases can vary widely in California. The average settlement for a disability discrimination case can range from around $25,000 to $500,000. Less complex cases often settle for about $100,000 or less, while more involved cases can exceed $1,000,000. But these are just ballpark figures.
The burden is on you to prove through relevant and material evidence that the agency discriminated against you and are entitled to certain relief. In analyzing the evidence, the AJ will apply a "preponderance of the evidence" standard, not the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard applicable in criminal proceedings.
In cases of discrimination in the workplace, you can typically seek compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages. While there's no limit on lost wages, emotional distress and punitive damages are capped at $300,000 under laws like Title VII and the ADA.
There are limits on the amount of compensatory and punitive damages a person can recover. These limits vary depending on the size of the employer: For employers with 15-100 employees, the limit is $50,000. For employers with 101-200 employees, the limit is $100,000.
In 2020, 6,272 discrimination cases were resolved by EEOC mediation, resulting in $156.6 million in monetary benefits. This makes the average settlement amount approximately $25,000 per claimant. But remember that not all cases are the same, so your case might be worth significantly more or less than the average.
A job discrimination complaint may be filed by mail or in person at the nearest EEOC office. You can find the closest EEOC office by calling the EEOC at 1-800-669-4000, or by going to the EEOC's Field Office List and Jurisdiction Map and selecting the office closest to you.
There is no magic formula to figure out what your case is worth. And while every case is different, some factors come up in most cases. The amount of the employee's economic loss is always important to consider. The seriousness and severity of the employer's or harasser's conduct is always important as well.
Once you have filed a formal complaint, the agency will review the complaint and decide whether or not the case should be dismissed for a procedural reason (for example, your claim was filed too late). If the agency doesn't dismiss the complaint, it will conduct an investigation.
How to File A Complaint The name, address, and telephone number of the person who is being treated unfairly; The name, address, and telephone number of the employer you are filing the complaint against; A brief description of the event or events that you believe are unfair or harassing; and.