Discrimination in the workplace is illegal in Minnesota, and the law gives you the right to take action. As a victim, filing a discrimination claim isn’t just about standing up for yourself or speaking out. It’s also a step toward recovering the financial losses and emotional distress you suffered.
You may be entitled to various forms of compensation if you successfully show your employer treated you unfairly because of your age, race, gender, disability or other protected traits. Here are the damages you could seek to recover.
Lost wages and benefits
You may receive compensation if you lost wages and other job-related benefits because you were fired, demoted or denied a promotion due to discrimination. This includes what you would have earned if the discrimination hadn’t occurred: salary, bonuses, health insurance and retirement contributions. In some cases, you might also be eligible for front pay if returning to your position isn’t possible due to ongoing issues or a breakdown in trust.
Emotional distress
Workplace discrimination can affect your mental and emotional well-being. Anxiety, humiliation and depression are all common among victims. The law allows you to pursue damages for the psychological suffering you went through, especially when the discrimination was severe or prolonged.
Punitive damages and legal fees
These damages are meant to punish discriminatory employers and deter similar behavior. As such, they are only awarded in cases where the employer’s conduct was particularly harsh or showed total disregard for the law. The judge may also award you the costs of pursuing your case, including reasonable attorney fees and court expenses.
If you believe your rights were violated at your workplace, don’t brush it off or take it lying down. A qualified assessment of your situation can help you build a solid case and explore your legal options for a fair resolution.
