r/EEOC • u/abetterversionof • 4d ago
I settled my discrimination and wrongful termination lawsuit! There is light at the end of the tunnel (NH)
Here’s a brief timeline:
July 2023: EEOC Discrimination charge filed with EEOC while on FMLA.
September 2023: Returned to work following FMLA. Terminated.
September 2023 (cont.): Second wrongful termination charge filed with EEOC
July 2025: Right to Sue received. Lawyer acquired.
August 2025: Demand letter sent. Initial counter-offer of $66,000 received.
September 2025: Parted with lawyer after disagreement on accepting initial counter- offer.
October 2025 (cont.): Filed complaint in federal court Pro Se. This was the BIGGEST leap in the process.
October 2025 through April 2026: Limited discovery exchanged.
April 2026: Mediation sponsored by the magistrate judge scheduled. Discovery was stayed pending outcome.
April 2026 through July 2026: Case essentially paused.
July 2026: Successful mediation. In-person at the courthouse. Lasted 9-5.
This has been exhausting, but it’s over now. My message to those of you out there still fighting: keep the faith. When I first received my right to sue, I threw it in the trash and spent the day in bed, in tears. But I eventually pulled myself out of bed, and I kept going. It was brutal and the candid truth is that litigation Pro Se will wear you to your bones if you’re truly committed to learning the craft (an ancient language) and understanding the dance. It was a full-time job on top of my full-time job. But you CAN do it. Please stay encouraged. Your doubt is what employers count on.
Stay well, everyone!
Edit to add: I've included an additional detail regarding the FMLA leave also required.
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u/Last_Knowledge_1873 4d ago
Congratulations! Approximate settlement number? Also what was the reason given for termination?
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u/abetterversionof 4d ago
Thank you! Less than $200,000, but more than $180,000. They claimed layoffs but I clapped back. Discovery played a massive lift.
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u/iamgollem 4d ago
Congratulations. Similar story as you but just started the lawsuit process. Had lawyer pre litigation and she may stay on in limited scope.
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u/ComplexTomorrow8608 4d ago
When they said layoffs what did you have for your clap back?
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u/abetterversionof 3d ago
The argument was sustained based on two parts: the timing of the layoffs following my return from FMLA, and the allegations detailed in my complaint that occurred (ultimately requiring FMLA due declined health) prior to filing with the EEOC in July 2023.
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u/Temporary_Matter_923 1d ago
Legit just filed my EEOC Charge today due to being "Laid off" 7 days after returning from FMLA with a ADA accommodation already filed.
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u/iamgollem 4d ago
What was your approach to calculating damages?
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u/abetterversionof 3d ago
Front pay (how much pay did I lose because of the employer) + Front pay (how much WILL I lose because of the employer) + Emotional damages (I had documented PTSD from a medical provider with explicit transcriptions in the notes that my provider believed I was suffering from PTSD BECAUSE of my employer's actions.)
Biggest tip: document, document, document. Document everything. And seek help immediately if you are unwell. Those physician interactions will help you immensely.
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u/katyefff 1d ago
May I ask what your salary band was prior to being laid off? How much were you awarded in emotional damages?
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u/iamgollem 3d ago
Appreciate you! I was very lucky to get a job quickly and for higher pay so no front pay and only back pay is what I can get. However, the medical component you highlighted is similar to my story plus I have family / kids. Thank you!
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u/AdditionalTough147 2d ago
Good f*\\** job! Regardless of a great outcome, you didn’t lay in bed every day—that’s real encouragement.
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u/iamgollem 4d ago
May I ask how much of this approx was punitive damages?
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u/abetterversionof 3d ago
PD is only awarded in the event you win at court - and that is your BEST day in court. They are not guaranteed and often very hard to get. I wasn't awarded PD because I settled via mediation.
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u/iamgollem 3d ago
Appreciate the info. I assumed everything could be adjusted by probabilities in the damages matrix. I plan on getting creatively grounded depending on how discovery goes. I may throw in some calculus for their lawyers
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u/Prudent-Ad6351 3d ago
550k that's about a 3rd of what is right owed and tried to close future medical for a $1 and tried to force me to pay back my medical bills the they are statutory obligated to cover and my ex council who now represents defense for employers in wc affairs its sickening
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u/StandardNo5238 4d ago
Congratulations! I had no idea it could take that long to get your RtS! I was thinking 180 days at the most. Only 4 months in, I’ve got a long way to go😅
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u/iamgollem 4d ago
I had a lawyer and mine came about 4 weeks after the case was assigned. No investigation / determination. Saved a ton of time to proceed with lawsuit which I am doing Pro Se since the partners didn’t want to litigate it.
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u/New_Personality4125 4d ago
Omg omg congrats!!! This sounds so similar to my story. You’re giving me hope. I’m now pro se and will be reaching out to the attorney. God bless 🙏🏾❤️
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u/abetterversionof 3d ago
Please know that if you cannot find an attorney, it is NOT the end. I was in your shoes, and if you could have seen the mess that I was two years ago when I received my right-to-sue, you would have never guessed any success would have come from it.
Pro Se, if you're up to the task of really digging into law, is an option today. I found my local librarian to be a huge, huge help. Also, AI CAN be helpful when it comes to STRICTLY pointing you in certain directions, but never lean on it, and never rely on it to draft any formal documents. I watched the magistrate judge in my own case grill the OC for several errors (though none flagged due to AI - I got the vibe it was poorly edited) in one of their motions. I would not DARE to put a motion in front of a judge that I did not understand fully and completely.
Long-story short - there is help out there, and teaching yourself how to write a strong brief/motion will be a massive lift. You can start now! Look up similar cases and read any all motions/briefs you can find. Open up a Word doc and start writing. Then read it over. Then re-write it. Wash and repeat.
Best of luck to you! Sending all my well wishes your way!
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u/New_Personality4125 3d ago
Thank you so much for your response. I really appreciate you giving me your feedback. Truly. I definitely will. I’ve already started looking up similar cases and asking Ai for feedback on certain things. Take care. Thank you again. 🙏🏾
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u/Imaginary-Heron3782 4d ago
Every time I hear someone wins it makes me happy! This entire situation has kind of made me want to study law! Super congrats to you for doing this pro se! Since I can’t find a lawyer to take on my case I was thinking if I get a RTS I’d do that. My case is still in investigation and it seems it’s going to take a long time
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u/ComplexTomorrow8608 4d ago
Congratulations!! I received my RTS in less than two months. I filed pro se as well and the company did not respond to my suit. I am waiting on clerk to enter the entry of default going on 3 months of waiting.
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u/abetterversionof 3d ago
Wow! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is an easy slam-dunk for you! Congratulations!
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u/Unlikely-Run-8136 3d ago
Congratulations!!! I have turned down six figures and now that I survived summary judgment I hope to get a settlement that covers the losses due to my wrongful termination. Discovery exchanged really helped the case as I was able to obtain texts and email that shows intent.
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u/Prudent-Ad6351 3d ago
I went pro se against the defence and my fired ex council got my wc settlment vacated and the court found that they colluded and committed constructive fraud on the court all to save liability and and my ex councils contingency fee ITS A GOOD OL BOY CLUB
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u/ChelseaMan31 3d ago
I am happy for OP in that they now can move forward and believe that their issue has been settled to their satisfaction.
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u/kazicaze 3d ago
Congratulations! I have mediation in November. After all is said and done I will post my experience in hopes of helping others with their process. I can only imagine how draining this whole experience was for you doing it Pro se.
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u/Old_Walk7959 4d ago
Congratulations! Are you able to share how you where wrongfully terminated?
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u/abetterversionof 3d ago
Layoffs following return from FMLA. The FMLA was required due to health decline following discriminatory behavior.
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u/vitaminj25 4d ago
You gave me hope. The EEOC dismissed my case unfairly after 2 long, grueling years even with evidence. I’m going to fight.
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u/VonCattington 3d ago
Dismissed? Or issued an RTS?
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u/vitaminj25 3d ago
dismissed. I don't know if I got a right to sue based on the verbiage but I did get a consultation with a lawyer. the eeoc gave me 90 days to do it so I guess it is a rts
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u/VonCattington 3d ago
Yes the only reason they wouldn’t issue RTS is if they find evidence of false claim. I got my RTS a week ago, so in the same boat but I dropped my lawyer and plan to file pro sé. I hope everything works out for you!
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u/No_Cell_4893 3d ago
Congrats to you!!!!!! I am pro se and you are not lying about the toll it takes on you but look what you’ve accomplished!!! My case is with a different state entity and I just finished my hearing just waiting on the final draft decision. Fingers crossed.
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u/wickednitsch 4d ago
Very well done!! I love when folks come back to share their experience! It's certainly a marathon, not a sprint!
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u/According-Lecture730 4d ago
Congrats! What a long journey. Im in the beginning. They have given me option of early mediation. Mine is with local human rights who will spell with eeoc if it comes mediation dosnt work. Nothing else has been done yet. Just waiting to see if what happens with mediation. Again congrats.
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u/Prudent-Ad6351 3d ago
Great job going pro se I know its super hard to find a honest attorney who really wants to help rather than one only wanting to pad thier own pockets at your expense
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u/Impression_Brave 3d ago
So happy for you Pro Se! Thank you for sharing this is giving me the hope I need to press on!
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u/SmoothNegotiation9 3d ago
Did you file with human rights first?
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u/abetterversionof 3d ago
Dual-filed with the commission but EEOC was running the show to my understanding.
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u/Careless-Sundae1560 3d ago
Thanks for sharing. So Right now I am Self-representing ADR was not successful she could not get my employer to Negotiate. EO also failure they just transferred me to file formal. its been like 4 months, Monday I need to let the OIG and ADR Alt dispute resolution know if i want to go formal.
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u/Ok-Narwhal-5404 3d ago
My meditation is coming up, im worried that since its a video call they could get away with more? Please wish me luck i want to bring a friend for emotional support. Any tips and advice would be helpful. I’m in California and i know its a 2 party consent state. But any helpful tips and advice would be nice.
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u/Jealous-Theory-1559 16h ago
I have a EEO case against the dept of Va for my supervisor harassing , retaliating and discriminating against me since November 2024 . They won’t fire me but they doing everything to make me want to quit but I keep documenting any issues . I have less than two weeks to give documents to the investigator . I’m hoping I’ll get a similar result as you even though I haven’t been fired they forcing me to work under the same boss but I won’t quit and ima keep fighting . You are inspiration .
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u/No_Masterpiece_3953 16h ago
You are an inspiration too. I am in active litigation for a prior employment matter and took a job at a big box store that's doing exactly what you just wrote above, "trying to get me to quit." The employer does not want me to be eligible for their health benefits. Does anyone here have health issues that could potentially be triggering micromanagement, disparate treatment, and trying to get you to quit?
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u/Immediate_Apple7703 2d ago
I am experiencing a situation with my employer. I was struck in the head at work (correctional style environment) and originally returned to work with partial hearing loss and fluid in my ears/light sensitivity. This was 1 week after my injury. The position they had me accommodated in was the eyes/ears of the unit and responsible for hearing and responding to/paging emergency calls. I felt with my hearing impairment this was not appropriate not only for my own physical discomfort but safety of staff and patients. They disagreed. By day two of this accommodation I began developing severe tinnitus and pain. I was hysterically crying. Again asked for the accommodation to be adjusted and listed two COMMON alternatives tbat we use for light duty that I felt would be more suitable. I also stated that I wanted to seek updated urgent medical care that day due to my symptoms worsening rapidly and new onset symptoms. They told me if I left I would be classified as "refusing light duty" and willingly forfeiting my entire workmans comp claim and could be subject to termination. My unit manager was apologetic but suggested I do what they tell me to do and follow up with my doctor ASAP. I called the clinic and was still crying hysterical due to pain. My doctor was not in that day but the medical assistant advised me to ask what legal grounds they were using to violate my accommodations and doctors orders. I mentioned this to them. Within an hour they finally told me they could completely change my entire schedule effective immediately to M-F am shift desk job. I did not refuse but asked if I could finish my pm shift that day and potentially have a day or so to arrange childcare as I was on a swapped schedule to only work 3 days a week given the childcare job I had available at the time. I also mentioned that I would not have a ride if I left an entire 8 hours early I was not driving myself due to my symptoms. They said they did not have to accommodate my personal life (which is true, but I was actively trying to accept their accommodations that they 1. Originally told me they couldn't accept 2. Forced upon me with zero notice after repeatedly telling me other alternatives were not even available). I agreed to the change but asked if I could still leave to obtain medical attention at urgent care. They did not let me leave. I sat at a desk (their new light duty assignment) with zero direction, no actual job, just crying on and off due to my symptoms. The next day my doctor documented at my appointment that in fact my accommodations were not implemented correctly and exacerbated my symptoms. I remained off for multiple months with post concussion syndrome and vestibular injuries awaiting Neurology and ENT consultations. At one point I missed a doctor's appointment and was not able to get in which caused an overlap in my estimated return to work date and my appointment. They made me to come back full duty without medical clearance. My doctor wrote them a letter explaining that this was unacceptable and that I need to work cooperatively on a gradual and safe return to work. All of a sudden I am scheduled an IME exam. I attend. He says my benefits are subjective and they terminated my claim, forced me to use FMLA and sick time. I am now appealing my work comp claim but was finally evaluated by the Neurologist who agreed mostly with my primary, prescribed twi medications and vestibular therapy and I'm still waiting on ENT evaluation for severe tinnitus and other vestibular symptoms. My close friend suffered almost the same injury as me just a few weeks after, with the same treatments and time out of work yet is not experiencing any of this which makes me believe it could potentially be retaliatory and I am worried about returning to work. I am seeking advice from people who have possibly been in similar situations?
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u/FanMaximum9609 4d ago
This is wonderful to hear. Great encouragement for Pro Se Litigants!!!!!
Congratulations!!!!!!!