Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle signed a law allowing victims of employment discrimination to receive up to $300,000 in damages.
Until now, victims of workplace discrimination had a difficult choice to make. File in federal court where the potential awards were higher or file in state court and have a greater chance of winning. With the new state legislation, Wisconsin employees can now receive comparable benefits in a forum thought by many to be more friendly to aggreived workers.
Under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, claims are first reviewed by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). If the worker’s claim is certified by DWD or the Labor and Industry Review Commission, the employee can then seek damages in circuit court.
The new law still provides for lower awards for small employers.
If you are the victim of sexual harassment or workplace discrimination, contact the law firm of Mahany & Ertl, LLC. From our base in Milwaukee, we represent workers anywhere in Wisconsin. Your initial consult is free and of course, there is no obligation. Written by Brian Mahany
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