Is it worth it to sue a company?
Asked by: Clara Lockman | Last update: December 7, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (22 votes)
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?
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.
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 hard to get a job after suing a company?
A lawsuit could negatively affect you in a future job, though it should not under the law. If a Company refuses to hire you because you are asserting your legal rights under statutory employment laws, that failure to hire could be unlawful. You should discuss your concerns with your attorney.
When should you sue a company?
Common bases for suing a company include breach of contract, negligence, product liability, employment discrimination, and fraud. Be sure to have all relevant documents and evidence to support your claim.
HOW TO SUE A COMPANY OR AN INDIVIDUAL? Watch this before you file a lawsuit.⚖️
Is it difficult to sue a company?
One of the challenges of suing a major corporation is that you need ample documentation to prove your case. To get documentation, take as many pictures with time stamps as possible, get together any medical or financial records that apply, and include all other evidence you have in your claim.
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.
Will 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.
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.
How long do employment lawsuits take to settle?
How Long Until Settlement? 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.
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.
What can you lose in a lawsuit?
If a creditor files a lawsuit against you and wins a judgment, they can seize quite a few assets. They can garnish your wages, levy your bank account, and even go after your personal property. This includes everything from cars and furniture to clothing and household goods.
Do companies prefer to settle out of court?
Settling is often cost-effective
Research has long indicated that settlements are more cost-effective in most cases. Even when businesses may assert that no wrongdoing occurred, settlements outside of court can be a means of limiting how much the lawsuit costs the organization.
What happens if you lose a lawsuit against a company?
Losing a lawsuit often means you'll be responsible for court fees and attorney's fees for both parties involved in the lawsuit. Many states also allow creditors to add post-judgment interest to the debt, often at rates higher than the original credit card interest rate.
How much money is enough to sue?
In general, claims are limited to disputes up to $5,000. However, natural persons (individuals) can claim up to $10,000. Corporations, partnerships, unincorporated associations, governmental bodies, and other legal entities cannot claim more than $5,000.
Can you get fired for suing your company?
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.
Should I tell my job I'm suing them?
Communicate politely with HR and management and check with your lawyer before discussing the lawsuit with anyone. Not everyone you work with will know about your lawsuit, nor should they. And remember that filing a lawsuit is not a lawful reason for an employer to fire its employee.
Can you sue a company for forcing you to quit?
If you were driven out of your position by abusive treatment or an intolerable work environment, you can still sue if you quit your job. The California employment attorneys of Eldessouky Law know how to help you prove that your employer forced you to quit in lieu of wrongful termination.
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 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.
Do lawyers drag out cases to make more money?
Their goal is to drag the case on and pay out as little as possible. This earns more money for the attorney, who gets paid by the hour, and also can help frustrate the plaintiff into making a better settlement for them out of desperation.
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.
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.
Is it hard to win an employment lawsuit?
The biggest problem with suing your employer is that it can be quite difficult to prove they did anything wrong. The good news is that most debates like this can be settled before it goes as far as going to court. If it doesn't though, here are the steps you'll need to take.
Can you get blacklisted for suing your employer?
So no, you will not end up in a blacklist. You will not be unemployable if you sue your employer.