What Are You Entitled to If You Sue Your Employer for Discrimination or Harassment?
Let’s get one thing straight: if you’ve been discriminated against or harassed at work in California, the law is on your side and it empowers you. You don’t have to watch your rights get trampled without holding your employer accountable in multiple ways.
At In Motion Law, we’ve helped countless Californians go from feeling helpless to holding employers responsible with real, concrete compensation and change. Here’s exactly what you may be able to recover under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) if you have been discriminated against or harassed at work.
Back Pay & Front Pay: That Gross Pay Isn’t Just Numbers
Back pay covers the earnings you lost because of discriminatory actions (think terminated or demoted without cause). Front pay is compensation for future lost wages when reinstatement isn’t feasible.
These aren’t theoretical. They’re actual dollars owed and a judge can write the check.
Reinstatement or Promotion: More Than Just a Number
Sometimes you don’t need money. You want your old job position back. Under FEHA, you can ask for:
- Reinstatement to your former role; or
- Promotion, if discriminatory actions caused you to miss out on advancement opportunities.
This isn’t just about fairness. It restores your place and potential at work.
Emotional Distress & Compensatory Damages
Discrimination and harassment are deeply hurting experiences. FEHA recognizes that you can get compensatory damages. That’s money for pain, shame, humiliation, and emotional suffering.
These claims force employers to pay more than just your salary. They make them compensate you for real emotional fallout.
Punitive Damages for Especially Bad Behavior
If your employer’s actions were intentional, malicious, or reckless, California law allows for punitive damages, which are meant to punish the worst offenders and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Attorney Fees & Court Costs
You shouldn’t fork over cash to seek respect and fairness. In California, if you win under FEHA, you can recover out-of-pocket expenses like job search costs or specialized medical care as well as attorney’s fees and court costs (yes, the employer pays your legal bill).
Statutes of Limitations: Don’t Wait Too Long to Act
One critical thing employees don’t always realize is that discrimination and harassment claims come with deadlines.
In California, you generally have three years from the date of the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD) under FEHA. After filing with the CRD, you may then obtain a “right-to-sue” notice, which allows you to proceed with a civil lawsuit against your employer.
Miss that window, and your claim could be barred forever, even if you had a strong case. Consider speaking with a lawyer to determine how long you have to recover compensation in your particular case.
Get What You Deserve
California courts don’t treat FEHA lightly.
But here’s the thing: going up against businesses—even big ones—takes strategy, know-how, and grit. At In Motion Law, we don’t just file claims. We analyze your case to determine which combination of remedies makes sense. We work to build the strongest argument for each component.
Make sure you walk away with more than just satisfaction. You should walk away with justice and fair compensation.
Contact In Motion Law today for a consultation. We could help you map out your claims and win the full slate of remedies you’re entitled to under California law. Call at 619-693-8336 to get a case review.
