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Nearly 100,000 equal opportunities claims were filed throughout the nation in 2012, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
For an employee to file a lawsuit against a workplace, there needs to be a sense of harm.
The employer has to have betrayed the employee's trust in one way or another—or, the employee needs to perceive that such a betrayal has taken place. Without looking at the merits of the suit, state and federal statutes or legal precedents, the simple act of betrayal will change a person. If you're thinking about suing your employer, know to expect the following in your life:
Anger
This is one of the first emotions to manifest when a person feels he has been wronged. Anger is a neurological process related to fear and shock. It was passed down from our caveman days—it can force us to stand immobile in our cave or give us the strength to take down a hostile invader. Denying your anger and its associated stresses cannot only "eat you up," it can cause actual illness.
Letting anger control you, however, can cause recklessness that could cost you your case. Monitor your anger. Put it on a scale. When you feel the burning flames of wrath, give it a number from one to 10. When you are hitting the high numbers, redirect it to fuel logical, helpful actions. If there is nothing for you to do, then release the anger with the stress reduction techniques that work for you.
Preoccupation
Instead of worrying what will happen, take the time to research what to expect. Companies have lawyers and insurance agents to handle the litigation and pay out the damages (if any are awarded). Since a representative from your employer's insurance company may be sitting on the opposite side of the table, familiarize yourself with the various types of business insurance. If your case will be paid out under an omissions and errors clause, then the lawyer will be paid by the insurance carrier. Understanding how the system works will help you to stop the preoccupying voices in your head.
Self-Doubt
Defense attorney Robin Shea wrote on the LexisNexis labor and employment law blog that employees filing a claim against their employer may find that coworkers are not on their side. Remember that the employer holds the purse strings, and your coworkers have no reason to put their jobs in jeopardy for you. Some of your coworkers will simply not agree with you. This can be very disheartening and lend to self-doubt. Do not let your emotions dictate your interactions with coworkers. It's best not to discuss the details of your case, anyway. Allow them to disagree with you without hard feelings.
Life-Altering Change
Prepare yourself to look for another job. A corporate lawsuit can drastically alter your personal and professional life, and you've made no friends with the management by filing a lawsuit. Betrayal often brings change, so use this to your advantage. Look for new educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. Use this experience to learn to protect yourself from a wrongful work environment.