Can I get fired for suing my employer?

Asked by: Giles DuBuque  |  Last update: February 1, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (55 votes)

You can choose whether to stay with your employer after filing the lawsuit or move on to a different employer. While employers usually have the right to fire at-will employees for any reason, they cannot fire them in retaliation after filing many types of lawsuits.

Should I quit my job if I'm suing them?

Important Things to Note

First, it is essential to note that you can continue working for your employer after filing a claim against them. Whether your case against your employer alleges unpaid wages, any form of discrimination, or harassment, you still have the option to continue working.

What happens when you sue your employer?

The Outcomes of a lawsuit can vary widely, ranging from financial settlements, reinstatement at work, changes in employment policies, or, in some cases, going to trial. Each case is unique, so outcomes will depend on the specifics of your situation and the strength of your evidence.

Does suing a company affect future employment?

If I Sue My Employer, Will It Be Harder to Get a Job in The Future? Suing the company you previously worked for can put you in a difficult position if you're applying to other jobs, as it hypothetically tarnishes your record as an employee.

Is a wrongful termination lawsuit worth it?

Many wrongful termination cases result in favorable outcomes for the employee, either through settlements or court verdicts. Successful cases can result in compensation for lost wages, damages for emotional distress, and even punitive damages in some instances.

Top 5 Reasons To Sue Your Employer

17 related questions found

What are the odds of winning a wrongful termination suit?

When you have a lawyer for a wrongful termination case the likelihood of receiving compensation is 64% and the likelihood of receiving compensation without a lawyer is 30%. Most Californians can expect a wrongful termination settlement of approximately $5,000-$100,000.

How much can I sue my employer for emotional distress?

The second type of emotional distress claim is one that is worth more than $50,000 up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the factual circumstances. You would need one or more medical opinions to support this claim and be prepared to have those medical advisors testify in court.

Is it worth suing a company?

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.

How much does it cost to sue your employer?

Hourly rates vary based on the lawyer's experience but rates are typically between $200 to $600 per hour. Hourly fees can be advantageous if the client wants to settle the employment case quickly and avoid litigation. A contingency fee arrangement is best if you want to sue but cannot afford to pay a lawyer.

Can you lose your job over a lawsuit?

You can choose whether to stay with your employer after filing the lawsuit or move on to a different employer. While employers usually have the right to fire at-will employees for any reason, they cannot fire them in retaliation after filing many types of lawsuits.

Should I tell my employer I'm suing?

Before filing a lawsuit, you typically must report the issue to your employer or HR department. This gives the employer an opportunity to resolve the problem.

Can I sue my employer for not giving me benefits?

Yes, you may have recourse if your employer promised you vision and dental benefits upon your last contract negotiation but never enrolled you in those benefits. The specific steps you can take will depend on the terms of your employment contract and the laws in your state.

Can I threaten to sue my employer?

DO NOT THREATEN YOUR EMPLOYER – Threats that you will sue will only be used against you. Threats you will report your employer's unlawful conduct to a branch of the government, however, is protected whistle blowing.

Can you get fired while suing a company?

California law, however, prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who engage in protected activities, including filing a lawsuit related to workplace issues.

Is an employment lawsuit worth it?

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.

Can you sue your employer for forcing you to quit?

In California, unreasonable working conditions can force an employee to quit, leading to a constructive discharge claim. Constructive discharge allows employees to seek the same legal rights as those wrongfully terminated.

Who pays when you sue a company?

The general rule is that each party to a lawsuit pays his/her own legal fees, but sometimes the losing party pays certain costs. Most contingent fee agreements protect the client from owing money in the event of a loss.

What is the highest settlement for wrongful termination?

Wrongful termination settlements are determined case-by-case. Workers who prevail in a wrongful termination claim often get awarded between $5,000 and $100,000 in compensation. However, each case is different. There is no single “average” wrongful termination.

Should I tell my employer I filed an EEOC complaint?

Ultimately, whether or not you should tell your employer about filing an EEOC complaint is a deeply personal decision, and one best made in consultation with an experienced employment lawyer.

What are the downsides of suing?

Upfront Costs and Expenses

Though we work on contingency, lawsuits have unavoidable costs – case expenses, legal fees if resolution fails, and the risk of paying defense fees in some instances. While unavoidable, expenses may be recovered upon a successful outcome, but they represent a financial risk.

Is it better to sue or settle?

Litigation takes time and often leads to more time due to appeals and retrials. You will have to be involved as the trial progresses. Whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant, if the total time spent in litigation is not worth a good outcome in court, then settlement is probably a better option.

How long does suing a company take?

Cases can go on as long as five years in California State Court and even longer in Federal Court excluding any Appeals. In California, we have a fast-track rule and usually get cases to trial pretty quickly, but that doesn't mean it's a guarantee. California says your case needs to get to trial within five years.

Should I sue my employer for wrongful termination?

It often depends on whether you believe the trivial or unfair reason your employer gave for firing you was their real reason, or whether you feel that they used a fabricated or minor infraction as an excuse (“pretext”) to fire you for a reason that is prohibited by California's anti-discrimination and whistleblower ...

How do you prove mental stress at work?

Evidence may include:
  1. Examples of stress or other stress related illnesses in other employees.
  2. Written, photographic, or recorded evidence of inappropriate communications that led to stress.
  3. Photographic evidence of any stress inducing elements of your workplace.

How do I sue my employer for stress and anxiety?

You can prove pain and suffering by keeping a log of the workplace violation and your mental anguish. During a lawsuit, you can testify about the emotional harm you've experienced. Coworkers, friends, and family members can also act as witnesses. Written proof can strengthen your case.