It may be possible for an employee in Arizona to sue their employer if they are experiencing a toxic work environment or a hostile work environment. A hostile work environment lawsuit is a type of lawsuit that may be filed in either Arizona state court or federal court to resolve these types of issues.
For the purposes of this section, "harass" means conduct that is directed at a specific person and that would cause a reasonable person to be seriously alarmed, annoyed, humiliated or mentally distressed and the conduct in fact seriously alarms, annoys, humiliates or mentally distresses the person.
The answer depends on your claims and willingness to pursue litigation. If your claims are strong and you are invested in the litigation process, it can be very “worth it” to feel you are standing up for accountability, getting compensation for your injuries, and incentivizing the company to change its ways.
1. Quick and Low-Stress. In our experience, most employers and employees prefer to settle discrimination cases out of court instead of going to trial. This is because settlement negotiations are usually faster and less stressful than litigation.
If you sue your employer, it won't be enough for you to prove that your employer made the wrong decision, or even that your employer was a no-goodnik. If you don't have a valid legal claim against your employer, then you will ultimately lose your case. One big reason to think twice before you sue.
The chances of winning your discrimination case can vary dramatically depending on the particular circumstances you face. When a lot of evidence has accumulated against your employer, such as emails and history of discriminatory remarks in front of multiple witnesses, your chances of winning a lawsuit are higher.
You may submit your completed Discrimination Complaint to the OEO by mail, fax, or email. By Mail: Office of Equal Opportunity. P. O. Box 6123. Mail Drop 1119. Phoenix, AZ 85005-6123. By Fax: (602) 364-3982. By Email: Office of Equal Opportunity. officeofequalopportunity@azdes.
However, discrimination is a state of mind and, therefore, notoriously hard to prove. Sophisticated employers are well aware that discrimination is illegal. Thus, most cases are established through circumstantial evidence.
It will not only benefit you, but your co-workers as well because it will likely make your workplace safer by creating a better environment for all. When you sue, you can also obtain a legal remedy for the discrimination you have faced. Employers often offer a significant sum in these cases.