Is suing an employer worth it?

Asked by: Adaline Rogahn  |  Last update: December 28, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (1 votes)

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.

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.

Will you lose your job if you sue your employer?

The primary consequence is that, legally or not, the employer will fire you. Depending on the reason why they fire you, you could be able to put any lost wages as part of the lawsuit, but in the meantime you will still need to pay your rent, mortgage, food, etc.

Does suing an employer affect future employment?

The impact on future job prospects

Employers are increasingly thorough in their background checks and often look for any signs of litigation involving potential hires. However, the impact of an employment lawsuit on job prospects largely hinges on the nature of the lawsuit and how future employers perceive it.

Is it hard to find 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.

Top 5 Reasons To Sue Your Employer

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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 suing your employer worth it?

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.

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.

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 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 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.

What do companies do when they get sued?

Once you receive notice that a lawsuit has been filed, you have a legal duty to preserve information that may relate to the subject matter of the lawsuit. The scope of this duty is fairly broad and includes preserving not only documents but also emails, texts, and other electronic information.

Can you be fired for suing your employer?

It might even give rise to potential conflicts in the workplace. California law, however, prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who engage in protected activities, including filing a lawsuit related to workplace issues.

How often do companies settle out of court?

Some researchers claim that the 90% figure is a gross exaggeration. Research does indicate that settlement rates vary between different court jurisdictions and even different types of lawsuits. Still, a significant percentage of business-related lawsuits do eventually settle outside of court.

Does the EEOC usually win cases?

A: The EEOC has a very high success rate when it comes to court decisions, reaching favorable outcomes in nearly 96% of all district court cases stemming from EEOC complaints.

Can I sue my job and still work there?

Yes. If your employer tries to get back at you for doing so, you can use them again for retaliation. So, if you have a wage and hour claim, sued your employer, and were punished for it in the form of demotions and harassment, then you have the right to file a retaliation claim in California.

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.

How do you know if a company blackballed you?

However, several subtle and not-so-subtle signs may indicate you're being blacklisted from employment:
  1. Unexplained Rejections After Interviews. ...
  2. Multiple Rejections from Jobs You're Qualified For. ...
  3. Lack of Responses or Follow-Ups from Recruiters. ...
  4. Being “Ghosted” by Potential Employers After Positive Interactions.

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.

Can I sue my boss 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.

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.

Is it hard to get a job after suing?

Most people in this position often ask, “Can I be denied a job because I sued my last employer?” The answer is no. They might be less inclined to hire you because of your current legal circumstances, but they cannot base their decision on a lawsuit.

How many employment cases go to trial?

Most cases settle out of court: The majority of employment lawsuits do not go to trial. In fact, more than 90% of employment cases are settled before they reach a courtroom. This is because settlements provide a faster resolution and avoid the uncertainties and costs of a trial for both parties .

How do you win an employment lawsuit?

5 Types of Proof to Win an Employment Law Case
  1. Emails Showing Labor Law Violations. ...
  2. Calls and Texts from Your Employer. ...
  3. Witness Statements from Other Employees. ...
  4. A Record of Formal Complaints. ...
  5. Photo & Video Evidence of Labor Law Violations.