Suing employers for Family Discrimination is one of the fastest-growing lawsuits today.
The Center for Work Life Law, in February 2010, reported that lawsuits claiming bias against workers who care for children or aging parents has increased 400% in the past decade. The average verdict in family responsibilities discrimination (FRD) case now is more than $500,000.
2,100 lawsuits have been filed due to discrimination claims relating to maternity leave (67%); employees who have to take care of elder parents (9.6%), care for sick children (7%), care for ill spouses (4%), time off for newborn care by fathers (3%), and care for a family member who is disabled (2.4%).
Most lawsuits (88%) were filed by women; 12% were filed by men. The lawsuits have been brought against small and large employers in every state and industry. Employees prevail in about 50% of the cases.
Employers need to ensure that they a complying with their state and federal laws regarding FMLA, ADAA, Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title VII. If you have questions about any of this or think your company might be at risk, call me today so I can help you.
