Can you be fired for suing your employer?

Asked by: Dr. Itzel Gleichner DVM  |  Last update: May 16, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (58 votes)

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. As a result, the decision to stay or not rests in your hands.

Can you fire an employee that is suing you?

Legally, your employers are not allowed to terminate you unless you do something unlawful or fail to perform your job correctly. Simply filing a lawsuit is not a lawful reason for an employer to fire their employee.

Can I lose my job if I sue my employer?

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

What are the consequences of suing your employer?

A successful lawsuit can result in lost wages, compensatory damages, and payment of your attorney's fees. In some situations, you could recover punitive damages as well. Of course, there are some cases where you might be responsible for the employer's fees and costs if you file a lawsuit and lose.

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.

Top 5 Reasons To Sue Your Employer

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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 I sue my job for emotional distress?

Yes, you can file an emotional distress lawsuit. If a supervisor caused emotional distress or a co-worker recklessly or intentionally inflicted emotional distress, you may have a case. Some workplaces are more stressful than others. But not every situation meets the legal definition for emotional distress.

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.

How long does suing your employer take?

Potential clients usually ask our lawyers, “How long will it take to settle my case?” The best answer is that “it depends.” Typically, the average employment lawsuit in a California court takes one year or longer to litigate.

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 go back to a job after suing them?

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.

Can you sue your employer for unfair treatment?

Yes, you can take legal action against a company for unfair treatment. California's employment laws protect individuals from discrimination, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination. If you believe you've been treated unfairly at work, it's essential to understand your rights and the legal avenues available to you.

How do you win a retaliation lawsuit against an employer?

What Makes A Strong Retaliation Case?
  1. Proof that you experienced unlawful harassment or discrimination. ...
  2. Evidence that shows you engaged in a protected workplace activity.
  3. Proof that your employer took adverse action against you in response to you engaging in a protected workplace activity.

Can I counter sue my employee?

Employers may want to go on the offensive, either by bringing direct legal action or by filing a counterclaim in response to an employee's complaint. Employers must carefully weigh the benefits against the potential pitfalls before filing counterclaims against their employees.

Can I get fired for participating in a class action lawsuit against my employer?

Can I Get Fired If I Participate In a Class Action Lawsuit Against My Employer? Federal law safeguards you against retaliation from your workplace if you take part in a class action lawsuit against them for alleged wage and hour violations or workplace discrimination.

Can you keep your job if you sue your employer?

It's extremely important that the employee understands that they cannot be punished at work as a result of filing a lawsuit. It takes an extremely courageous person to stand up to an employer with their livelihood at stake.

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 a lawsuit prevent you from getting a job?

Even if your lawsuit does go to court and become public, potential employers probably won't find out about it; and even if a potential employer does find out about your lawsuit, it is illegal for them to not hire you because you were previously involved in an employment lawsuit.

Can I sue my employer for a toxic work environment?

Employees who experience a hostile work environment in California have options for seeking redress. They can file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or file a lawsuit in court.

How do you prove emotional distress at work?

The two main ways to prove emotional distress damages are (1) for the employee (and their friends and family) to testify about how the discrimination caused psychological injury, and/or (2) have a doctor or mental health professional testify about the harm suffered.

What is an example of suing for emotional distress?

Examples of Emotional Distress Lawsuits
  • Medical malpractice. A physician may cause emotional harm to a person if they engage in treatments or procedures that may not be appropriate for the situation. ...
  • Witnessing a wrongful death. ...
  • Emotional distress after a car accident. ...
  • Nursing home abuse. ...
  • Personal injury. ...
  • Wrongful arrest.

What is the highest settlement for wrongful termination?

If you're fired unfairly, gathering evidence and seeking legal help is key to building a strong case. Settlements vary widely but could range from $5,000 to over $1 million based on your situation's specifics.

Is it worth it to sue a company?

You need to answer three fundamental -- and fairly obvious -- questions as part of deciding whether it's worthwhile to bring a lawsuit to court: Do I have a good case? Am I comfortable with the idea of a compromise settlement or going to mediation? Assuming a lawsuit is my best or only option, can I collect if I win?

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.