How are employment discrimination cases resolved?

Employment discrimination cases in Washington are resolved in a variety of ways, depending on the situation. Generally, the goal is to provide a solution that is satisfactory to both the employer and the employee. The first step in resolving a discrimination case is to determine if there is evidence of discrimination. This can be done via an investigation conducted by the Washington State Human Rights Commission. If the investigator believes they have gathered enough evidence to support a discrimination claim, they can then file a complaint with the commission. If the complaint is accepted, the commission can then facilitate an informal resolution process. During this process, the parties may try to negotiate a settlement agreement or the employer may be required to take corrective action. If no agreement can be reached, the complaint may be referred to the courts for a formal hearing. In some cases, the court may issue a judgment in favor of the employee, which could include backpay, injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and/or punitive damages. Depending on the circumstances, the employer may be subject to a civil penalty or even criminal prosecution. Regardless of the resolution, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees for filing discrimination complaints. Therefore, if an employee believes that their employer has unlawfully retaliated against them, they can file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

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