The average payout for a workplace bullying lawsuit is around $50,000 to $300,000 in our estimation. Keep in mind that settling on an exact figure for any type of lawsuit is impossible, and each case involves different elements that all work together when it comes to figuring out how much the victim is entitled to.
One factor that’s essential is how long the victim was subjected to harassment, discrimination, and other behaviors that define a hostile work environment. The severity and duration of bullying has a direct impact on the amount of compensation, especially in cases of sexual harassment. With these lawsuits, emotional distress is one of the most important damages that can be recovered, along with lost wages and work benefits.
There is no denying that a hostile work environment is taxing on your mental and physical health. No one should be subjected to this type of treatment by their employer, and there are laws in place to protect those who are being bullied at work. However, navigating the legal system and obtaining a fair settlement is easier said than done, which is why advice from an employment lawyer is essential, right from the start.
Our attorneys are here for you 24/7 to help with any questions on your mind, such as:
- If is worth it to file a claim if I am being harassed at work?
- What are the payments I can receive from a hostile work environment lawsuit?
We also provide free second opinions on workplace bullying lawsuit cases if you have concerns about a pending claim that you would like to discuss with another attorney. Contact our law firm today and schedule a free case evaluation.
Elements of a Hostile Work Environment
All workplaces have their share of disagreements, resentments, and misunderstandings. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that employees are suffering from a hostile work environment. In order to meet the legal standard, the work environment must create an intolerable atmosphere that’s based on repeated incidents of decimation, harassment, and other types of unwelcome conduct. The treatment you are subjected to must be severe enough to affect your ability to perform your job duties.
Behavior that Constitutes Workplace Bullying
We associate bullying with school playgrounds as opposed to offices and other work settings, but this type of behavior can take place no matter what you do for a living. Workplace bullying happens in many ways, including:
- Intimidating remarks, including threats
- Verbal abuse
- Physical harassment
- Offensive jokes
- Visual harassment
Essentially, workplace harassment is any behavior that results in a distressing or uncomfortable environment for one or more employees.
How Bullying Impacts Your Work Performance
The affect that bullying has on your work performance is a critical component in defining a hostile work environment. When you file a workplace bullying lawsuit, you are asserting that your job performance is negatively impacted because the persistent harassment, retaliation, etc. has made the workplace an intolerable environment.
Harassment in Relation to Protected Characteristics
Hostile treatment of employees can be linked to protected characteristics that are covered in state and federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Categories that are protected from discrimination and retaliation (including workplace bullying) include gender / gender identity, religion, race, age, disability, and sexual orientation. If you are facing verbal harassment and other unwelcome behavior at your workplace because of one of more of these characteristics, you have the right to file an employment discrimination claim.
Range of Unlawful Conduct
A hostile work environment typically involves a range of toxic behaviors, ranging from subtle, passive-aggressive comments to outright intimidation and threats. In some case, workers are even subjected to physical harassment that makes them fear for their safety.
How Much Do these Cases Usually Settle for?
Hostile work environment cases normally end in settlements of 5 to 6-figures, and it’s not unusual to see victims receive $100,000 and above. However, proving a case of workplace bullying that’s pervasive enough to affect your job performance is very challenging. Help from a workplace discrimination and retaliation lawyer is highly recommended in order to achieve the best possible results.
Some of the most important factors we consider in the valuation of a workplace bullying case include, but are not limited to:
- Lost wages, including loss of income due to demotions, reduced pay or work hours, medical leave due to stress and anxiety, and termination based on workplace discrimination.
- Medical expenses associated with treatment for psychological issues and emotional distress resulting from a hostile work environment. Payments can include cost of therapy, medications, and other healthcare costs.
- Back pay if you were wrongfully terminated for wages that were lost from the day of termination to the date of reaching a settlement.
- Punitive damages if the hostile treatment was particularly egregious. If the case proceeds to trial, this is a form of additional compensation that may be awarded by the jury to punish the employer and set an example to other companies and businesses.
- Future wages for bullied workers who suffered damage to their professional reputation and other consequences that negatively impact their future earning potential.
Let Us Fight for You
No one should be subjected to abusive behavior at their workplace, and both state and federal laws protect employees who are in this situation. While taking legal action against your employer is about justice, you also need compensation to make up for lost wages and other damages you incurred through no fault of your own. That’s why we urge you to contact our law firm and talk to a California employment rights lawyer.
Our attorneys are ready to take your case for $0 upfront and wait till the recovery of your settlement to ask for payment. This is our promise to you under the Zero Fee Guarantee, along with the fact that you owe us nothing if we do not succeed in winning your case.
If you are ready to explore your rights and legal options, please take a moment to schedule a free case review.
