Are you facing an employment discrimination case? This situation occurs more frequently than you might think. During 2023, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 81,055 new discrimination charges and filed 143 new lawsuits.[1]
Despite clear-cut anti-discrimination laws in place, some employers still perpetuate discriminatory practices. However, challenging those behaviors often presents a difficult path for employees. Proving discrimination requires strong evidence. With some cases taking years to settle, employment discrimination litigation affects all areas of your life. Pursuing legal action often impacts work friendships, your reputation, and your lifestyle. Learn more about the process before you travel down this road.
Understanding Employment Discrimination
Employment discrimination occurs when an employer treats you unfairly or less favorably based on your:[2]
- Race
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Pregnancy
- Age
- Disability
- Protected veteran status
Specific actions that qualify as employment discrimination include unfair treatment, harassment, denial of reasonable changes to the workplace, and retaliation.[2] Discrimination can happen to existing employees or applicants during the recruitment and hiring process.[2]
Most states allow for at-will employment, which means employers can terminate employment for any reason.[3] Employers must still comply with anti-discrimination laws.[3] However, proving discrimination becomes more challenging with at-will employment. Employers may provide a different reason for the termination to cover up discrimination.
When you suspect employment discrimination, follow these steps:
- File a formal complaint with your employer to establish a paper trail.
- Document all instances of discrimination, including the date, time, details, involved parties, and witnesses.
- File a charge of discrimination through the EEOC.
- Contact an employment attorney.
When you meet with an attorney, they analyze the situation, including any evidence you present, to determine if your case holds merit. From there, your attorney files a lawsuit if you want to pursue legal action.
Attorneys typically attempt to settle the case before it goes to trial. About 95% of employment discrimination cases settle out of court, which means you receive your funds faster.[4] Both parties negotiate the settlement amount, and you receive the funds if you agree.[4] When negotiations fail, the case proceeds to trial, which typically takes 2 to 3 days. Overall, the process can take months to years, depending on the complexity of the case.[4]
While you wait for your case to finish, pre-settlement funding offers an option to bridge the financial gaps. Your attorney works with USClaims to handle the funding process. Explore attorney testimonials to learn more about previous attorneys who have worked with us during this process.
Financial Strains During Employment Discrimination Lawsuits
Going through an employment discrimination case strains you mentally, emotionally, and financially. If the discrimination event causes you to lose your employment or miss new job opportunities, your income suffers.
Even if you maintain employment during the case, taking time off to appear in court, meet with your attorney, give depositions, and handle other case-related tasks potentially impacts your employment. If you’re seeking new employment, the time you spend on your case distracts you from the job search.
The hit to your finances directly affects your budget. It becomes difficult to pay your regular monthly expenses, such as your mortgage, car loan, utilities, and groceries. Some people turn to credit cards or loans to cover the financial gap, which sets you back more financially with new debt to cover.
Benefits of Pre-Settlement Funding for Employment Discrimination Cases
Pre-settlement funding offers relief for the financial stress of going through an employment discrimination case. The types of cases that qualify for funding include employment discrimination suits. Other qualifications include:
- Representation from an attorney working on a contingency-fee basis
- Mature case
- Compensable injuries or damages
- Strong merits against the other party
Pre-settlement funding works by USClaims buying an interest in the money you receive from your case settlement. You receive cash for the agreed-upon amount, typically about 10% of your case’s value, within 24 business-day hours, giving you quick access to the funds you need to pay your bills. When you receive your settlement funds, USClaims receives its portion. You only repay the funding amount if you win your case.
To receive pre-settlement funding, follow these steps:
- Submit a request and provide the requested information.
- Wait for a representative to review the request.
- Sign the purchase agreement, which allows USClaims to receive a direct payment from your attorney.
You choose how you spend the funds without any restrictions. It works for paying any routine, day-to-day expenses, such as your rent, mortgage, medical bills, and food.
After Settlement
Common settlement funding FAQ submissions focus on what happens after the settlement and how you pay all parties. To receive pre-settlement funding, you need an attorney representing you on a contingency-fee basis. That means the attorney receives a portion of your settlement only if you win your case.
When you sign your purchase agreement for pre-settlement funding, you agree to direct payments from your attorney to USClaims. Your attorney receives their fee, based on your retainer agreement with the attorney, directly from the settlement as well.
If you’re ready to get financial assistance while you await your employment discrimination case, call us today at 1-877-USCLAIMS or apply online now.
The availability of pre-settlement funding varies by state. Contact USClaims for more information.
Sources
- “EEOC Releases Annual Performance Report for Fiscal Year 2023.” US EEOC, www.eeoc.gov/newsroom/eeoc-releases-annual-performance-report-fiscal-year-2023.
- “What Is Employment Discrimination?” US EEOC, www.eeoc.gov/youth/what-employment-discrimination.
- “What Is Employment Discrimination?” US EEOC, www.eeoc.gov/youth/what-employment-discrimination.
- “Stages of an Employment Lawsuit.” Nashville Employment Law Lawyer, www.maskerfirm.com/stages-of-an-employment-lawsuit.html.
