How Much Can You Get For Suing Your Employer

Posted in Employees on April 2, 2025

How much can you get for suing your employer? This is a question we often hear—especially from workers who’ve endured pain, uncertainty, or unfair treatment. Depending on your unique situation, you may be eligible for compensation that includes medical bills, lost income, emotional distress damages, or even long-term disability support. Every case is different; however, your claim matters and the outcome can provide you with the financial and emotional relief you deserve. At Crossman Law Offices, we’ve built our entire practice around helping Phoenix workers like you fight for justice. With a deep understanding of Arizona’s workers’ compensation system and employment laws, we’re here to protect your rights and guide you toward the recovery you need.

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Navigating Your Legal Rights in the Workplace

In many workplace injury cases, the first step is filing a workers’ compensation claim rather than suing your employer directly. However, if your employer has engaged in intentional misconduct or violated public policy, you may have a valid claim for a civil lawsuit.

In Phoenix, Arizona, workers’ rights are protected under the Arizona Workers’ Compensation Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and other federal laws. Understanding your legal rights is critical when deciding whether to pursue compensation through a claim or a lawsuit.

Employment Lawsuits Explained: What You Need to Know

Depending on your circumstances, you might bring several legal claims against your employer. These include:

• Workers’ compensation claims: These are handled through an administrative process and cover medical expenses and lost wages due to work-related injuries or illnesses.
• Wrongful termination: If you were fired for an illegal reason, such as whistleblowing or discrimination.
• Retaliation: If your employer took adverse action against you for filing a complaint or claim.
• Harassment and discrimination: Based on race, gender, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics.

Each type of lawsuit has different standards of proof, processes, and compensation types. Workers’ comp claims generally do not require proving fault but may limit the types of damages you can receive. Civil lawsuits can result in higher awards but require stronger evidence and legal representation.

Range of Compensation in Employment Disputes

When considering how much you can get for suing your employer, it’s important to understand the damages you may be entitled to. These vary depending on the case type and the harm’s severity.

• Medical expenses: Coverage for current and future medical treatments.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time you were unable to work.
• Emotional distress: In civil cases, damages may include compensation for psychological harm.
• Punitive damages: In rare cases, courts may award additional sums to punish employers for intentional wrongdoing.
• Permanent disability benefits: Available through workers’ comp for lasting injuries.

In Arizona, workers’ compensation is guided by state law. According to Arizona Revised Statutes Section 23-327, compensation may vary based on factors such as the severity of the injury, the worker’s age, and the extent of wage loss.

While there is no fixed amount for these claims, settlements in employment disputes often range from a few thousand dollars for minor issues to several hundred thousand for severe, long-term consequences.

What Determines Settlement Amounts in Employment Cases?

Several key factors influence how much compensation you can receive in a claim or lawsuit:

• The severity of the injury or misconduct: More serious injuries or egregious employer misconduct generally result in larger settlements due to the lasting impact on your health, career, and overall financial stability.
• Duration of time off work: If you are out of work for weeks or months due to your injury, the lost income and long-term disruption to your employment can significantly increase your settlement value.
• Medical evidence: Detailed records from licensed healthcare providers can strongly support your claim, as they validate the severity and direct connection between your injury and workplace conditions.
• Employer conduct: If your employer acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct, you may be entitled to higher compensation, including punitive damages, in certain situations.
• Pre-existing conditions: A prior injury doesn’t disqualify you, but it can complicate calculations and reduce or adjust your compensation depending on how much the incident worsened your condition.

According to the National Employment Law Project, the current workers’ compensation system often falls short of providing full support to injured workers, and many families struggle to make ends meet despite receiving some benefits. This reality underscores the importance of working with experienced attorneys who can advocate for fair compensation based on the unique circumstances of your case.

Your Guide to Suing Your Employer

• Filing a workers’ comp claim is usually the first step: Arizona is a no-fault workers’ compensation state, so even if the injury wasn’t your employer’s fault, you’re still covered.
• Gather documentation: Medical records, witness statements, and employment records are crucial.
• Consult with a qualified attorney: Navigating employment law and understanding whether you have grounds for a lawsuit requires legal insight.
• Act quickly: Deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, apply to workers’ compensation claims and civil lawsuits.

Legal action may feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our firm is deeply familiar with Phoenix’s workers’ compensation landscape and can walk you through every step of the process.

Ready to Explore Your Legal Options?

At Crossman Law Offices, we’ve spent decades fighting for the rights of injured workers in Phoenix. Whether pursuing a workers’ compensation claim or considering a lawsuit against your employer, we’ll help you understand your options and seek the compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and get the answers you need.