What Compensation You Can Recover in a Racial Discrimination Lawsuit in Los Angeles?

Under both California and federal law, racial discrimination is unlawful. Despite these legal protections, many workers continue to suffer racial discrimination in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. If you have been subject to racial discrimination in your workplace, it’s important to understand your rights, as well as stay informed about what compensation you can recover in a racial discrimination lawsuit in Los Angeles.

Compensation You’re Entitled to for Racial Discrimination

As each racial discrimination case is unique, the type and amount of compensation that case victims are entitled to is dependent on various factors, including the pervasiveness and severity of the discrimination and their subsequent response. Furthermore, the response of your employer and the strength of the evidence involved in supporting the claimant’s side of the story can impact the final compensation settlement.

Compensation for racial discrimination is generally broken down into economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are paid out to cover financial losses victims may have suffered due to racial discrimination, while noneconomic damages cover more intangible losses, such as emotional distress.

Damages That Can Be Covered in a Racial Discrimination Lawsuit

If you believe that you are facing racial discrimination at work, it is critical to contact an experienced discrimination lawyer. They can help you understand whether you are entitled to compensation for the following damages:

• Lost income. Back pay gives financial coverage for benefits and income you may have lost from when the discriminatory behavior started to the date of the settlement or court ruling. For example, if your performance at work starts to worsen due to racial discrimination, and you are paid less as a result, you can receive compensation for this loss of income.
• Future lost income. If you are not able to return to the position you had before or cannot find a comparable job as a result of racial discrimination, you can receive this type of compensation for future wages. Courts commonly issue front pay to racial discrimination victims who cannot be feasibly reinstated because of dysfunctions or hostilities as a result of the discrimination incidents.
• Loss of benefits. If you have lost benefits because of racial discrimination, such as retirement or pension funds, health insurance, commissions, bonuses, vacation days, or paid time off, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for these benefits.
• Damages due to emotional distress. As racial discrimination commonly causes serious emotional distress for victims, such as feelings of humiliation, depression, anxiety, and an overall loss of ability to enjoy life, racial discrimination lawsuits can provide financial compensation in exchange. The amount of compensation for emotional distress that may be awarded is dependent on factors like the frequency and seriousness of the discriminatory behavior.
• Punitive damages. If your case involves particularly malicious or courageous behavior on behalf of your employee, you may be entitled to punitive damages to punish the employer for their discriminatory actions and discourage it from happening again. Pursuing punitive damage involves presenting evidence that the employer acted with intentional malice or had a reckless disregard for your rights and that you sustained damages as a result.
• Attorney fees. Under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if you win your lawsuit, your employer may have to pay the associated attorney’s fees, filing fees, deposition costs, and expert witness expenses associated with filing and carrying out your lawsuit.

In addition to receiving financial compensation, you may be able to receive injunctive relief as part of the court’s decision for your lawsuit. Injunctive relief would force your employer to take certain actions, like implementing anti-discrimination training and policies. An experienced and compassionate employment lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to if you’ve been subject to racial discrimination in the workplace.

FAQs

How Much Is a Discrimination Lawsuit Worth in California?

In California, the amount a discrimination lawsuit may be worth is dependent on various factors, including the seriousness of the discriminatory actions, the subsequent damages sustained, and whether the case is ultimately resolved in the courtroom. Compensation amounts typically cover emotional distress, lost income and benefits, and other damages. By working with an experienced lawyer, you can help your chances in getting the maximum recovery.

What Constitutes Racial Discrimination in California?

In California, racial discrimination happens when a job applicant or employee is treated unfairly by an employer based on their race, skin color, ethnicity, or country of origin. Such illegal actions can involve firing, failing to hire, failing to promote, failing to pay an adequate salary, or giving equal job assignments based on these characteristics. Under California law, employees have the right to be free from racial hostilities at work.

Do I Need a Lawyer for My California Racial Discrimination Lawsuit?

Although it is not required by law to have an attorney assist you with filing a racial discrimination lawsuit in California, having a skilled employment lawyer on your side is greatly beneficial. They can assist you with understanding how complex employment law may apply to your case, gathering evidence, going through negotiation or mediation, and building up a strong argument for court. Ultimately, they can help you optimize your final settlement. Handling it yourself will result in a DISASTER!

What Does Compensation for Racial Discrimination Cover in California?

In California, compensation for racial discrimination incidents can cover a broad range of damages, including loss of income because of discrimination and emotional distress, such as humiliation, depression, or anxiety. In cases where the discrimination is extreme, punitive damages may be awarded to discourage the action from happening again. By working with an experienced lawyer, you can understand the compensation you may be entitled to.

Contact Workplace Racial Discrimination Lawyer

As racial discrimination cases can be highly complex and emotionally charged, it is extremely beneficial to work with a compassionate and experienced employment lawyer who can guide you through legal processes for pursuing the compensation you are entitled to. A skilled employment lawyer from Shirazi Law Firm, PC, is here to help you hold your employer accountable for their actions and pursue an optimal compensation package on your behalf. Contact us today.