Victims of workplace discrimination or harassment may be eligible for several types of compensation, including:
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages (to punish wrongdoing)
- Back pay and future lost earnings
- Interest on unpaid wages
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs
- Reinstatement to the previous position
Important: Filing Deadlines
Employees must first file a complaint with the DFEH within one year of the discriminatory or harassing conduct. After obtaining a “right to sue” notice, they generally have one year to file a lawsuit in court.