Retaliation lawsuit payouts can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of the case. However, some general trends can be observed.
According to a 2021 study by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the median payout for retaliation claims was $45,000. However, the range of payouts was significant, with some cases resulting in awards of over $1 million.
Several factors can affect the amount of a retaliation lawsuit payout, including:
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The severity of the retaliation:** If the retaliation was severe and caused significant harm to the employee, the payout will likely be higher.
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The type of retaliation:** Some forms of retaliation are considered more serious than others. For example, if an employee was fired or demoted as a result of retaliation, the payout will likely be higher than if they were simply subjected to verbal abuse or ostracism.
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The employee’s damages:** The amount of damages an employee has suffered as a result of the retaliation will also be a factor in determining the payout. This could include lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
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The strength of the evidence:** The strength of the evidence supporting the employee’s retaliation claim will also be a factor in determining the payout.
In addition to these factors, the jurisdiction in which the lawsuit is filed can also affect the payout. Some states have more favorable laws for retaliation plaintiffs than others.
Here are some examples of recent retaliation lawsuit payouts:
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In 2022, a jury awarded a former employee of American Airlines $1.1 million in damages after finding that she had been retaliated against for reporting safety concerns.
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In 2021, a federal jury awarded a former employee of FedEx $750,000 in damages after finding that she had been retaliated against for reporting sexual harassment.
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In 2020, a federal jury awarded a former employee of Amazon $1.2 million in damages after finding that he had been retaliated against for reporting discrimination.
These are just a few examples, and the actual payout in any given case will vary. However, these examples illustrate that retaliation lawsuits can result in significant financial awards for plaintiffs.
If you believe that you have been retaliated against by your employer, you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. Retaliation is a serious legal violation, and you may be entitled to significant damages if you have been a victim of it.
