Facing Discrimination at Work? How to Sue a Company in Florida

January 6, 2025

Discrimination at work isn’t just unfair—it’s illegal. If you’re feeling stuck, hurt, or angry because of how you’ve been treated at your job, you’re not alone. At The Leach Firm, we’ve been standing up for employees in Florida for nearly two decades, helping people fight back against workplace discrimination.

Whether it’s unequal pay, harassment, being passed over for a promotion you earned, or even wrongful termination, you have rights. Founder Carlos Leach built this firm to help people like you, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Let’s talk about how you can take action and sue a company for discrimination in Florida.

Recognizing Workplace Discrimination

Before you can take steps to fight discrimination, you need to recognize it for what it is. Discrimination can come in many forms, but it typically falls into one of these categories:

  • Race or Ethnicity: Examples include being denied a promotion because of your background or being subjected to racist remarks.
  • Religion: Employers refusing reasonable accommodations for religious practices.
  • Gender: Being paid less than a colleague of another gender for the same work.
  • Age: Older workers being pushed out in favor of younger hires (covered under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, or ADEA).
  • Disability: Employers failing to make accommodations or treating disabled workers unfairly (protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA).

Florida’s Civil Rights Act and federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are designed to protect workers from these kinds of injustices.

Gathering Evidence

If you’ve experienced discrimination, documenting it is key. Without evidence, it’s much harder to prove your case. Here’s how you can build a solid foundation:

  • Keep a Journal: Write down every discriminatory incident, including dates, times, people involved, and specific details.
  • Save Emails and Documents: Look for evidence that supports your claim, like discriminatory emails, performance reviews, or job postings that show unfair treatment.
  • Talk to Witnesses: If coworkers saw or heard discriminatory behavior, their statements can strengthen your case.

Consulting an attorney early can help you understand whether you have enough evidence to move forward. We’re here to guide you through this step and ensure your case has the support it needs.

Filing a Complaint

Before filing a lawsuit, you’ll need to file a charge with an agency like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Choose One Agency: While you can technically file with both, most people pick one. The agencies will share the information, so you don’t have to duplicate your efforts.
  2. Deadlines Matter: You have 300 days to file with the EEOC if there’s a state agency involved (like the FCHR). Without a state agency, the deadline is 180 days.
  3. The “Right-to-Sue” Letter: Once the EEOC reviews your case, they’ll issue this letter if they decide not to pursue action on your behalf. It’s essential for filing a lawsuit.

This step can feel overwhelming, but having a clear plan makes it easier.

The Lawsuit Process

Filing a lawsuit might sound intimidating, but knowing what to expect can help:

  • Start with a Complaint: This is the document that officially kicks off your lawsuit. It lays out what happened and why you’re suing.
  • Discovery Phase: Both sides exchange evidence and interview witnesses.
  • Mediation or Arbitration: Sometimes, you’ll have the chance to resolve things without going to court.
  • Settlement or Trial: Many cases end in a settlement, but if yours doesn’t, it will go to trial for a judge or jury to decide.

Having strong legal representation throughout this process is vital.

Seeking Damages

Winning a workplace discrimination case can result in compensation for various damages. These may include recovery of lost wages due to unfair treatment, reimbursement for missed benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions, compensation for the emotional distress caused by the discrimination, and punitive damages aimed at holding the employer accountable and preventing similar behavior in the future.

Additionally, you might receive coverage for attorneys’ fees depending on the circumstances.

Experiencing Discrimination? We Can Help

You don’t have to face workplace discrimination alone. At The Leach Firm, we’re dedicated to helping people like you fight back and get the justice you deserve.

If you’re in Florida or Georgia, reach out to us for a free consultation. Call us at 844-722-7567 or visit our website to learn more. Let’s stand up for your rights together.

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