What is the maximum damages for EEOC?

Asked by: Dr. Anderson Corwin  |  Last update: March 31, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (10 votes)

Limits On Compensatory & Punitive Damages 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. For employers with more than 500 employees, the limit is $300,000.

What is the maximum settlement for EEOC?

When it comes to California discrimination lawsuits, the potential payout varies greatly depending on the company's size. Take small businesses with fewer than 100 employees - they're looking at a maximum payout of $50,000. But scale up to 101-200 employees, and that number jumps to $100,000.

How much should I ask for in a discrimination settlement?

Average Disability Discrimination Settlements in California

The average settlement for a disability discrimination case can range from around $25,000 to $500,000. Less complex cases often settle for about $100,000 or less, while more involved cases can exceed $1,000,000.

How hard is it to win an EEOC claim?

Q: What Are the Chances of Winning an EEOC Case? 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.

What are the damages in an employment discrimination case?

Compensatory Damages

Common examples include medical expenses, job search and relocation costs, and emotional distress. Like back pay and front pay, the overall purpose behind compensatory damages is to put you in the position you would have been in but for discrimination.

What damages are recoverable in the EEOC?

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What is the cap on EEOC damages?

Limits On Compensatory & Punitive Damages

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. For employers with more than 500 employees, the limit is $300,000.

How much does the EEOC payout per person?

In 2020, 6,272 discrimination cases were resolved by EEOC mediation, resulting in $156.6 million in monetary benefits. This makes the average settlement amount approximately $25,000 per claimant. But remember that not all cases are the same, so your case might be worth significantly more or less than the average.

What makes a strong EEOC case?

The EEOC bases its investigations on the facts presented by the employee. Without strong evidence, even legitimate claims may be dismissed. A compelling case demonstrates the actions taken against you, provides context, and establishes a clear connection to discrimination or retaliation.

Is it worth suing your employer for discrimination?

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.

Does EEOC negotiate settlements?

An Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) administrative judge may suspend a hearing to allow the parties to settle a case and will accept a settlement to resolve the case at any time before a final decision is reached. The sooner a settlement is reached the better.

What is the maximum payout for discrimination?

For companies with up to 100 employees, the limit of compensatory damages is $50,000. For those that have between 101 and 200 employees, the limit for damages is $100,000, while companies with between 201 and 500 employees have a limit of $200,000.

What is a reasonable settlement offer?

The settlement amounts should reflect the damages suffered by the plaintiff, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical care, and other related costs. The key to fair financial compensation is to determine whether the offer is reasonable and aligns with the extent of the damages.

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.

What do EEOC settlements look like?

Settlements of EEO disputes may contain monetary payments that are independent of any personnel action, provided that the monetary payment does not exceed the amount of back pay, attorney's fees, costs, or damages the employee would have been entitled to in the case if discrimination had been actually found.

What happens when the EEOC finds an employer guilty?

When the EEOC finds an employer guilty, they may attempt conciliation to negotiate changes in procedures and remedies for those affected; if unsuccessful, the victim may file a lawsuit or request the EEOC to file one on their behalf.

What makes a strong retaliation case?

What Makes a Strong Retaliation Case? A strong retaliation case has clear evidence linking an employee's protected action, like reporting harassment, to an adverse reaction from the employer. Demonstrating this connection can lead to a successful retaliation settlement.

What happens if I win my EEOC case?

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 likely are you to win a discrimination lawsuit?

The chances of winning your discrimination case can vary dramatically depending on the particular circumstances you face. When a lot of evidence has accumulated against your employer, such as emails and history of discriminatory remarks in front of multiple witnesses, your chances of winning a lawsuit are higher.

How much money can you get for a civil rights violation?

Depending on your case, your financial settlement may range from thousands to millions of dollars. However, receiving a settlement from your civil rights lawsuit or legal action can take forever.

What is the average EEOC settlement amount?

What is the Average Settlement for a Discrimination or Retaliation Claim? Based on data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the typical settlement amount for employment discrimination claims stands around $40,000.

What happens if EEOC finds reasonable cause?

If EEOC determines there is reasonable cause to believe discrimination has occurred, both parties will be issued a Letter of Determination stating that there is reason to believe that discrimination occurred and inviting the parties to join the agency in seeking to resolve the charge through an informal process known ...

How do I win an EEOC settlement?

Tips to Strengthen Your EEOC Complaint and Improve Your Chances of Winning
  1. Act Promptly and Meet Deadlines. ...
  2. Understand Your Rights and Protections. ...
  3. Gather and Preserve Evidence. ...
  4. Be Thorough and Detailed in Your Complaint. ...
  5. Consider Consulting a Federal Employment Attorney. ...
  6. Stay Engaged and Responsive.

What is the EEOC equal pay?

The Equal Pay Act requires that men and women in the same workplace be given equal pay for equal work. The jobs need not be identical, but they must be substantially equal. Job content (not job titles) determines whether jobs are substantially equal.

What is the highest paid discrimination lawsuit?

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight achieved the largest jury verdict in U.S. history in an employment discrimination case. A jury awarded $253 million after finding the pharmaceutical giant liable for gender discrimination in pay, promotions, and relating to pregnancy.