What Are My Remedies If I Was Subject To Racial Discrimination In The Workplace In Florida?
It is an unfortunate reality, but race-based discrimination still remains a problem in too many workplaces in Florida. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (federal law) and the Florida Civil Rights Act (state law) both prohibit any race, color, or ethnic background discrimination at businesses and organizations with 15 or more employees.
As an employee subject to unlawful racial discrimination, you may be wondering: What remedies do I have available under the law? Remedies are always case-by-case—but you may be entitled to financial compensation and/or equitable relief. In this article, you will find a comprehensive overview of remedies through a workplace race discrimination claim in Florida.
Remedy #1: Back Pay and/or Front Pay
Back pay is a common remedy for victims of racial discrimination in the workplace. Were you fired on discriminatory grounds or were you forced to quit/resign because of race discrimination or racial harassment? Back pay is compensation that covers lost wages and benefits that the victim would have earned had they not been subjected to the discriminatory action. Front pay may also be awarded. It represents the projected future earnings and benefits the victim would have received.
Remedy #2: Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are another form of monetary compensation available to victims of racial discrimination in the workplace. These damages cover any out-of-pocket expenses and financial losses that the victim may have incurred as a direct result of the discriminatory actions. Discrimination the workplace can involve financial losses/cost far beyond lost wages. Beyond that, compensatory damages can include compensation for non-economic losses. Some examples of non-economic losses that may be recoverable in a race discrimination claim include emotional distress and mental anguish.
Remedy #3: Equitable Relief
Equitable relief is a non-monetary remedy. It seeks to correct the discriminatory practices and restore the victim to the position they would have been in had they never been subject to race discrimination in the workplace.
Among other things, equitable remedies could include things like reinstatement to a job position, a promotion, a corrected personnel file, or a letter of recommendation. Equitable relief may also involve ensuring that the employer takes corrective action, such as implementing new policies and practices to prevent future discrimination in the workplace.
Remedy #4: Punitive Compensation
In some cases, punitive compensation may be granted as a remedy in a race discrimination claim in Florida. Broadly speaking, punitive damages is a form of compensation that is intended to punish the employer for their discriminatory actions and serve as a deterrent to prevent future incidents.
To be clear, punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the employer’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious. If you have any questions about punitive compensation in a race discrimination claim, a Florida employment lawyer can help.
Consult With a Race Discrimination in Employment Lawyer in Florida
No employee should have to deal with unfavorable treatment because of their race, color, or ethnic background. If you have any questions about a workplace race discrimination claim, please do not hesitate to contact a Florida employment law attorney for legal guidance and support.
