How long does it take for the EEOC to make a decision?

How long does an HR investigation take?

A: An investigation should start immediately after you become aware of a situation. Depending on how many witnesses are involved and how many people need to be interviewed, an investigation should take 24-72 hours.

Are employers afraid of the EEOC?

Often employers will feel confused, angry, or afraid upon receiving the EEOC complaint. While it seems like there is no upside to being investigated by a federal agency, the first stage of the process is simply an investigation. ... Only 2% of EEOC charges result in action.

What happens if an employer does not respond to an EEOC complaint?

If the company fails to comply with the investigation long enough, the EEOC will pursue legal action that can result in jail time for the owner of the company.

What damages can EEOC award?

Limits On Compensatory & Punitive Damages

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. For employers with 201-500 employees, the limit is $200,000.

What is the most common EEOC complaint?

We focused on workplace complaints filed related to race, sex, disability, age and national origin. Those are the five most common categories. We found that at least 63% of workers who filed a complaint eventually lost their job. That number was even higher for workers who filed a disability-related claim, at 67%.

Does the EEOC get you money?

If the EEOC finds that I was discriminated against, what can I get? If the EEOC finds discrimination, we will work with your employer to fix the situation. You could receive money damages as part of that process. We also can seek promotions, reinstatement, and other workplace changes for you.

How does EEOC notify employer?

Filing a Charge and the EEOC Investigation

The EEOC notifies the employer within ten days asking for a response. The EEOC then begins its investigation of the alleged charges. This can include requests for information from the employee and employer, interviews with interested parties, and review of relevant documents.

What happens when the EEOC takes your case?

Once the investigator has completed the investigation, EEOC will make a determination on the merits of the charge. If EEOC is unable to conclude that there is reasonable cause to believe that discrimination occurred, the charging party will be issued a notice called a Dismissal and Notice of Rights.

What is the average EEOC settlement?

According to EEOC data, the average out-of-court settlement for employment discrimination claims is about $40,000. Studies of verdicts have shown that about 10% of wrongful termination cases result in a verdict of $1 million or more.

What is a typical settlement in an EEOC mediation?

In terms of a typical amount for EEOC mediation settlements, an average out of court settlement is around $40,000. However, about ten percent of employment discrimination and wrongful termination cases result in a $1 million dollar settlement.

How do you win an EEOC mediation?

Are emotional distress damages compensatory?

Emotional distress damages are a subset of what are commonly called “compensatory damages.”

Is back pay compensatory damages?

The reason for this is that back pay is considered equitable relief, as opposed to legal relief (such as compensatory or punitive damages). ... You may recover back pay damages for a period of two years before you filed your charge of discrimination with the EEOC.

Are emotional distress damages compensatory damages?

Compensatory Damages – Compensating You for Your Expenses

These are damages that reimburse a plaintiff for out-of-pocket costs and losses. These damages may include medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning potential, and even emotional distress.

How long does a company have to respond to the EEOC?

Remember that employers usually have 30 days to respond, and a short response time opens the door for an employer's confidential and proprietary information to be disclosed, whether inadvertently or otherwise, to claimants.

Should I tell my employer I filed an EEOC complaint?

Once you file a charge, the EEOC will notify your employer. ... The law protects you from retaliation for asserting your rights, and you should immediately tell the EEOC investigator if you believe your employer has taken action against you because you filed a charge.

Can you be fired after filing with EEOC?

In most cases, firing an employee isn't illegal. Firing an employee because he filed a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission constitutes employer retaliation, which is illegal.

What types of people are likely to retaliate?

What questions are illegal in an EEOC interview?

How can I scare HR?