Employment Discrimination Funding: Top 5 Steps to Secure

Employment discrimination funding provides a crucial safety net for individuals facing the fallout from workplace discrimination. If you are dealing with financial stress due to lost wages or ongoing legal battles, employment discrimination funding can help you cover essential expenses and maintain stability.

To quickly secure employment discrimination funding, you need to:

1. Hire a contingency-based lawyer.
2. File an employment discrimination lawsuit.
3. Check your state’s regulations on legal funding.

I’m Haiko de Poel, and I’ve seen how vital financial support can be during employment discrimination cases. With years of experience in civil rights lawsuit funding, I’m here to guide you through understanding and securing the financial assistance you need.

Understanding Employment Discrimination

Employment discrimination is a serious issue that affects many people in the workplace. It involves treating someone unfairly or differently based on specific characteristics. These characteristics are protected by federal laws to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity at work. Let’s break down some key aspects:

Federal Laws

Federal laws are in place to protect employees from discrimination in the workplace. The most important of these laws include:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. It covers various employment actions, including hiring, firing, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment.

• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): This protects employees 40 years of age and older from discrimination based on age.

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): This ensures that people with disabilities are not discriminated against in the workplace and mandates reasonable accommodations.

The EEOC

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing these laws. The EEOC investigates discrimination complaints, mediates disputes, and can file lawsuits on behalf of employees. In 2019, the EEOC reported that workplace retaliation was the most common complaint, making up 53.8% of all charges filed.

Protected Classes

Protected classes refer to groups of people who are legally protected from discrimination by federal laws. These include:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation)
• National Origin
• Age (40 and older)
• Disability
• Genetic Information

Real-Life Examples

To understand the impact of employment discrimination, consider some high-profile cases:

• In 2020, Porous Materials, a manufacturer in New York, was required to pay $93,000 for harassment that included racial slurs and unwanted sexual advances. The company’s owner did nothing to stop the harassment.

• Another example is B&P Enterprises and Desoto Marine, LLC, which had to pay $250,000 in a settlement for race harassment. Supervisors humiliated employees based on race and assigned dangerous duties to African American workers.

These cases show that discrimination is not only harmful but also costly for employers who fail to address it.

The Importance of Legal Protection

Understanding these laws and protections is crucial for both employees and employers. Employees should know their rights and what constitutes illegal discrimination. Employers need to ensure they comply with these laws to create a fair and inclusive workplace.

If you believe you are a victim of employment discrimination, it’s essential to seek legal advice and consider options like employment discrimination funding to support you through the legal process.

What is Employment Discrimination Funding?

When facing employment discrimination, the legal process can be long and expensive. Employment discrimination funding provides financial support to plaintiffs during this challenging time. It allows you to draw from your expected settlement to cover expenses and avoid settling early for less than you deserve.

How Does Employment Discrimination Funding Work?

Employment discrimination funding works by providing a non-recourse cash advance based on your future settlement. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Future Settlement as Collateral: Your potential settlement is used as collateral for the funding. This means the funding company evaluates the strength of your case rather than your credit score.
• No Credit Checks: Unlike traditional loans, employment discrimination funding doesn’t require credit checks. Approval is based solely on the merits of your lawsuit.
• Non-Recourse Cash Advance: This type of funding is non-recourse, meaning if you lose your case, you owe nothing. The financial risk is entirely on the funding company.

Benefits of Employment Discrimination Funding

Employment discrimination funding offers several key benefits:

• Financial Relief: It provides immediate financial support, helping you cover living expenses, medical bills, and legal fees during the litigation process.
• Avoid Early Settlement: Many plaintiffs settle early for less than their case is worth due to financial pressure. Funding allows you to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
• Cover Expenses: Whether it’s rent, groceries, or other essential costs, funding helps you manage your finances while your case is ongoing.

Real-Life Example

In a significant employment discrimination case, many plaintiffs faced substantial financial hardship. Litigation Funding Co provided funding to help these plaintiffs maintain their financial stability while pursuing justice.

By securing employment discrimination funding, you can focus on your case without the added stress of financial instability. This support can be crucial in ensuring you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Steps to Secure Employment Discrimination Funding

Qualifying for Employment Discrimination Funding

Securing employment discrimination funding involves a few key steps. The first step is to ensure you qualify for this type of financial assistance. Here’s what you need:

1. Hire a Contingency-Based Lawyer: You must have an attorney who works on a contingency basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case. This arrangement shows the funding company that your lawyer believes in the strength of your case.

2. File a Lawsuit: Your lawsuit against your employer must be officially filed. This demonstrates that you are serious about pursuing your claim and that the case is actively progressing through the legal system.

3. State Regulations: Make sure your state allows legal funding for employment cases. Some states have specific regulations that may affect your eligibility for funding. Check with your attorney to confirm that you can proceed.

Application Process for Employment Discrimination Funding

Once you meet the qualifications, the next step is to apply for employment discrimination funding. The application process is designed to be straightforward and quick, ensuring you get the financial support you need as soon as possible.

1. Minimal Information: Start by providing basic personal information and details about your case. This initial step is simple and requires minimal paperwork.

2. Lawyer Cooperation: Your attorney will need to supply additional information about your case. This includes the expected settlement amount and an assessment of the case’s strengths and weaknesses. Their cooperation is crucial for a smooth application process.

3. Funding Amount: The funding company will evaluate your case based on the information provided. They will determine the amount of funding you can receive, typically between 10% to 20% of your expected settlement. This evaluation focuses on the strength of your case rather than your credit score.

Quick Approval

Once your application is submitted and reviewed, you can receive funding quickly. Many companies offer fast approvals and can get cash in your hands within 2 days. This immediate support can be a lifeline, allowing you to focus on your case without financial stress.

By following these steps, you can secure employment discrimination funding and gain the financial stability needed to pursue justice. This funding helps you cover essential expenses and avoid settling early for less than your case is worth.

Next, we will explore the costs and considerations associated with employment discrimination funding.

Costs and Considerations

How Much Does Employment Discrimination Funding Cost?

Employment discrimination funding can be a lifeline, but it’s important to understand the costs involved. Here’s what you need to know:

Interest Rates: The interest rates for pre-settlement funding can be quite high. On average, plaintiffs face interest rates around 41% per year, but rates can go as high as 60% per year. These rates can accumulate quickly, especially if your case takes a long time to settle.

Funding Limits: Typically, you can receive between 10% to 20% of your expected settlement amount. For example, if your attorney expects you to receive $100,000, you might be eligible for a $10,000 to $20,000 advance.

Repayment Terms: The repayment terms are straightforward. You only repay the funding company if you win your case. If you lose, you owe nothing. This makes it a non-recourse debt, meaning your personal assets are not at risk.

Simple Interest Rate: Most reputable funding companies charge a simple interest rate rather than compounding interest. This means the interest is calculated on the original loan amount, not on the accumulating interest, making it easier to manage.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Entering into an employment discrimination funding agreement requires careful consideration of legal and ethical factors:

Unregulated Industry: The legal funding industry is largely unregulated. This can leave plaintiffs vulnerable to unscrupulous actors. It’s crucial to do your homework before signing any agreements.

Research Funding Companies: Take the time to research any legal funding company you’re considering. Look for reviews, ask for references, and consult with your attorney to ensure the company is reputable.

Avoid Unscrupulous Actors: Be wary of companies that are not transparent about their fees and interest rates. Hidden fees can significantly reduce your final settlement amount. Always read the fine print and ask questions if something is unclear.

By understanding these costs and considerations, you can make an informed decision about whether employment discrimination funding is the right choice for you. This financial support can help you cover essential expenses and focus on your case without the added stress of financial strain.

Next, we will explore the remedies available for employment discrimination.

Remedies for Employment Discrimination

When discrimination is found, the goal is to make the victim whole again. This means putting them in the same position they would have been if the discrimination never happened. Let’s break down the types of remedies available and their limitations.

Compensatory Damages

Compensatory damages cover out-of-pocket expenses and emotional harm. This includes costs like job search expenses, medical bills, and compensation for mental anguish or inconvenience. For example, if you had to see a therapist because of the discrimination, those costs could be covered.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are meant to punish the employer for especially malicious or reckless acts of discrimination. These are not always awarded and are generally reserved for the most severe cases.

Back Pay and Job Placement

If you were denied a job or promotion due to discrimination, you might be entitled to back pay. This means you get the salary and benefits you missed out on. Additionally, you might also be placed in the job or promotion you were unfairly denied.

Limits on Damages

There are caps on the amount of compensatory and punitive damages you can receive. These limits depend on the size of your employer:

• Employers with 15-100 employees: $50,000 limit
• Employers with 101-200 employees: $100,000 limit
• Employers with 201-500 employees: $200,000 limit
• Employers with more than 500 employees: $300,000 limit

Liquidated Damages

In cases of intentional age discrimination or sex-based wage discrimination under the Equal Pay Act, victims can receive liquidated damages. These are equal to the amount of back pay awarded and are designed to punish especially malicious acts of discrimination.

Understanding these remedies can help you know what to expect if you win your case. Next, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about employment discrimination funding.

Frequently Asked Questions about Employment Discrimination Funding

What to Ask for in a Discrimination Settlement?

When negotiating a discrimination settlement, it’s crucial to know what to ask for:

• Back Pay: This includes the wages you lost due to the discrimination. For example, if you were unfairly fired, you should ask for the salary you missed out on.
• Compensatory Damages: These cover out-of-pocket expenses like job search costs and medical bills, as well as emotional distress. If you had to see a therapist, those costs should be included.
• Punitive Damages: If the employer’s actions were especially malicious, punitive damages might be warranted to punish them.
• Job Placement: If you were denied a promotion or a job, you could ask to be placed in that position.
• Attorney’s Fees: Often, the settlement can cover the cost of hiring an attorney.

Calculating Damages in Employment Discrimination Cases

Calculating damages can be complex, but here are some key factors to consider:

• Salary and Benefits: Calculate the total salary and benefits you lost. For example, if you were earning $50,000 annually and were unemployed for a year, that’s $50,000 in back pay.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Add up any job search costs, medical bills, or therapy sessions.
• Emotional Harm: This is harder to quantify but can include compensation for mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive Damages: These depend on the severity of the employer’s actions and are often a percentage of the total compensatory damages.

EEOC Discrimination Cases Won

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has handled numerous discrimination cases. For instance, in 2019, workplace retaliation accounted for 53.8% of all charges filed. Race discrimination was involved in 33% of cases, and sex discrimination made up more than 30%.

One notable case is the Merrill Lynch Black Broker discrimination suit, the largest settlement discrimination suit in U.S. history. Such cases highlight the importance of understanding your rights and what you can achieve through legal action.

Knowing what to ask for and how to calculate your damages can significantly impact the outcome of your case. If you’re considering employment discrimination funding, these insights can help you steer your options effectively.

Conclusion

At Litigation Funding Co., we understand that navigating an employment discrimination lawsuit is challenging, both emotionally and financially. Our goal is to provide the financial support you need to focus on your legal fight without the added stress of financial strain.

Financial Support

We offer pre-settlement funding to plaintiffs involved in employment discrimination cases. This funding can help cover essential expenses like living costs, medical bills, and legal fees while you wait for your case to resolve. Our approach ensures you don’t have to settle your lawsuit prematurely due to financial pressures.

Quick Funding

One of our key advantages is the speed of our funding process. We can provide you with a non-recourse cash advance within 24 to 48 hours of approval. This quick turnaround time means you can get the financial relief you need almost immediately, allowing you to focus on your case rather than your finances.

No Credit Checks

We don’t believe that your financial history should influence your ability to fight for justice. That’s why we offer pre-settlement funding without any credit checks. Your eligibility is based solely on the merits of your case, not your credit score. This makes the process simpler and more accessible for everyone.

Legal Process

Understanding the legal process can be daunting. We make it easier by working directly with your attorney to gather the necessary information. This ensures that the process is smooth and straightforward for you. Our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way, answering any questions you may have.

For more information on how Litigation Funding Co. can assist you during your employment discrimination case, visit our Pre-Settlement Funding Options page.

By choosing Litigation Funding Co., you’re opting for a trusted partner who will support you through your legal journey with transparency, speed, and no financial risk if your case is lost. Let us help you secure the financial assistance you need to fight for the justice you deserve.