Why is my discrimination case taking so long?

Asked by: Mable Kuphal DVM  |  Last update: August 30, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (45 votes)

Another reason why discrimination cases can take a long time to settle is that in order to file in federal court you have to file your case with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”). This is a prerequisite for filing in federal court. This can delay the process 4-8 months.

How long does a discrimination case take to settle?

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.

What is the timeline for discrimination lawsuit?

The anti-discrimination laws give you a limited amount of time to file a charge of discrimination. In general, you need to file a charge within 180 calendar days from the day the discrimination took place.

Why is my EEOC investigation taking so long?

The length of time for an investigation can depend on the complexity of the case, the parties' cooperativeness, the investigator's caseload, and his or her abilities. The EEOC has a voluntary mediation program that invites both parties to try to resolve the matter after the complaint is filed.

How likely are you to win a discrimination lawsuit?

Your chances of winning a discrimination case are much higher if you have the evidence and documentation to support your claim of discrimination. Such evidence could be direct or circumstantial.

How Long Do Employment Lawsuits Take?

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What makes a strong discrimination case?

The employee must first present evidence that he is a member of a protected class, he was qualified for the position he held, he suffered an adverse employment action such as being fired, and that he was replaced with another worker who is not a member of that protected class.

What happens if an employer is found guilty of discrimination?

Remedies May Include Compensatory & Punitive Damages

Compensatory and punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving intentional discrimination based on a person's race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), religion, disability, or genetic information.

How to calculate a discrimination settlement?

There is no magic formula to figure out what your case is worth. And while every case is different, some factors come up in most cases. The amount of the employee's economic loss is always important to consider. The seriousness and severity of the employer's or harasser's conduct is always important as well.

What to ask for in a discrimination settlement?

The following is a breakdown of key points that influence discrimination settlement amounts.
  • Lost Wages and Benefits. ...
  • Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish. ...
  • Legal Fees and Court Costs. ...
  • Punitive Damages. ...
  • Job Reinstatement or Policy Changes. ...
  • Understand Your Worth. ...
  • Gather Strong Evidence. ...
  • Be Ready to Compromise.

How much money can I get from a discrimination lawsuit?

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. But these are just ballpark figures.

What is the timeline for discrimination?

In most cases, you have 3 months minus 1 day from the date the discrimination happened. If the time limit has passed, you can still make a claim to an employment tribunal. It's up to the judge to decide whether they will accept your claim.

What happens if the EEOC finds discrimination?

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.

Can you be fired during an EEOC investigation?

No. When you file a job discrimination complaint with the EEOC or otherwise participate in an EEOC investigation or lawsuit, you are protected against retaliation regardless of the validity or reasonableness of the original allegation of discrimination.

How long after mediation will I get my money?

How Long After Mediation Will I Get My Money? You can expect to receive your settlement check four to six weeks after signing the agreement. However, it might take longer to receive your check if the case is complex.

How long does HR have to investigate a complaint?

Under California law, there isn't a specific timeframe for how long an HR investigation can take.

How to find out settlement amount?

A standard formula for calculating an injury settlement includes multiplying the amount of your pain and suffering by your medical expenses and lost income. For calculating pain and suffering, a typical multiplier ranges between 1.5 and 5 and includes emotional distress and inconvenience.

Do I have to pay taxes on a discrimination settlement?

Employment Discrimination Settlement Tax Treatment

Both are considered taxable “income” by the IRS. Generally, the attorney will negotiate and ultimately agree to an “allocation” in the settlement agreement between compensation for economic losses and emotional distress harm This can vary case by case.

What is a reasonable settlement figure?

A reasonable proposed settlement figure is one that takes into account the amount of awards juries in your area have made in recent, similar cases. Your initial settlement demand should be a number that's high enough to leave you room for negotiation.

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.

Is it worth suing an 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.

Do employers fear EEOC?

When an employer faces a discrimination complaint filed through the EEOC, the initial reactions often include anger and fear. It's important to pause and understand that only about 2% of these complaints lead to penalties. An EEOC investigation typically unfolds over at least 10 months.

What is proof of discrimination?

Direct evidence often involves a statement from a decision-maker that expresses a discriminatory motive. Direct evidence can also include express or admitted classifications, in which a recipient explicitly distributes benefits or burdens based on race, color, or national origin.

Why is it so hard to win a discrimination case?

In order to win a discrimination lawsuit, the employee must prove that he/she was discriminated against based on race, gender, disability, sex, etc. This can sometimes be a difficult task because employer's and wrongdoers generally deny the claims and do not admit to discrimination of any kind.

How to deal with false accusations of discrimination?

If you are facing false accusations at work, it is important to remain calm and be honest. Do not confront your accuser or try to alter the facts. Gather as much evidence as possible to disprove the accusation. Speak to an attorney, human resources, and your union representative if you have one.