If you or a loved one have faced sexual harassment at work, you may be entitled to compensation through a sexual harassment lawsuit.
As with many legal proceedings, sexual harassment lawsuits can raise many questions. A big question for individuals who may be looking to file a sexual harassment lawsuit is how much compensation they may receive after the lawsuit has been settled.
Some factors which typically determine the average settlement for sexual harassment lawsuits and what steps you can take to maximize your settlement are outlined below. How to File Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
Disclaimer: The following is not legal advice; it is general information meant to inform. Consult with a sexual harassment lawyer for advice and guidance on your case.
What is the Average Settlement for Sexual Harassment?
It is important to note that there is really no way to precisely determine the average settlement for sexual harassment lawsuits. The outcome of each individual case will be determined by each lawsuit’s unique facts and factors.
Factors that are considered in a lawsuit may include:
- The kind of harassment you have suffered;
- The severity of the harassment;
- The length of time the harassment occurred; and
- If the harassment was quid pro quo (where the harasser manipulates the victim into performing sexual acts and other unwanted acts) or if it created a hostile work environment (where the workplace has become a general environment of abuse and harassment).
Any and all of these factors may tie into the settlement amount that you receive following your lawsuit.
What Kind of Damages Can I Expect to Receive?
There are a variety of different damages that you may receive as part of a settlement including:
- Back pay: this will consist of any wages and benefits that you would have received following any sort of demotion or firing you received in relation to the harassment you have faced. Back pay covers:
- Lost income, including any, raises you would have received;
- Bonuses;
- Sick and vacation leave;
- Stock options and 401ks;
- Insurance benefits for health, vision, and dental; and
- Retirement
- Front pay: this is meant to compensate you for any lost income that you are likely to be left with following the date of your settlement.
- Compensatory damages: these damages cover things such as back and front pay, emotional distress that you suffered, and other out-of-pocket expenses that you incurred due to the harassment.
- Punitive damages: these may be awarded if your employer knew about the harassment and didn’t take steps to stop it.
Something important to keep in mind is that you may not receive all of these damages in your sexual harassment settlement. Just as the overall amount will depend on certain factors, the type of damages that are relevant to your claim will also depend on your specific facts and circumstances.
Are There Limits on the Average Settlement for Sexual Harassment?
There is a limit on the amount of financial damages that you may receive for a sexual harassment lawsuit, based on the size of your employer.
Under the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the number of compensatory damages is capped at the following:
- For employers with 15-100 employees, the limit is $50,000.
- For employers with 101-200 employees, the limit is $100,000.
- For employers with 201-500 employees, the limit is $200,000.
- For employers with more than 500 employees, the limit is $300,000.
So, depending on the size of your employer, you may see a cap amount applied to your settlement.
State law may also apply different caps on amounts that may apply to your case.
If you are dealing with sexual harassment at work, our experienced sexual harassment attorneys are available to answer any questions you might have and offer legal counsel..
Contact Our Skilled Columbus Ohio Sexual Harassment Lawyers Today
Our dedicated team of sexual harassment lawyers works with clients in many industries to protect their rights in the workplace. We bring years of experience to the table and a deep understanding of both state and federal law. The Coffman Legal team regularly represents individuals who have faced sexual harassment in the workplace, and we are dedicated to helping you understand your rights and protections. Please contact our office online or by phone at 614-949-1181 for a free and fully confidential consultation.
