Can employees sue employers for failing to follow employment discrimination law?

Yes, employees can sue their employers for failing to follow employment discrimination law in North Carolina. North Carolina is an “at-will” state, meaning that the vast majority of employees work “at-will” without a written contract and can be fired for any reason. This includes any employment decisions that are based on discrimination. Generally, if an employee is subject to discrimination, they must first file a complaint with the relevant government agency, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC will investigate the complaint and if it is found that the employer has indeed violated the law, they will require the employer to take corrective action. If the employer refuses, the employee is then free to file a lawsuit against the employer to seek a remedy for the discrimination. In North Carolina, employees who have been the victims of employment discrimination cannot sue to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are damages meant to punish the employer for their discriminatory actions, and they are not available in North Carolina. Employees, however, may be able to recover monetary damages such as lost wages, back pay, and/or compensation for emotional distress. In conclusion, employees can sue their employers for failing to follow employment discrimination law in North Carolina. Although, punitive damages are not available, employees may be able to seek compensation for lost wages and emotional distress.

Related FAQs

Is discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity illegal?
How does an employee prove an employment discrimination claim?
Are employers allowed to terminate employees for engaging in union activities?
What is the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act?
Are there special rules that apply to religious employers and organizations?
What remedies can be sought in an employment discrimination claim?
Are employers allowed to discriminate against job applicants who have disabilities?
Are employers prohibited from discriminating against employees who are transgender or gender-nonconforming?
What types of evidence can be used in an employment discrimination case?
Are employers required to treat employees differently due to their religion or beliefs?

Can employees sue employers for failing to follow employment discrimination law?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts