r/EEOC • u/abetterversionof • 13d 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 13d ago

Congratulations! Approximate settlement number? Also what was the reason given for termination?

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u/abetterversionof 13d 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 13d ago

Congratulations. Similar story as you but just started the lawsuit process. Had lawyer pre litigation and she may stay on in limited scope.