What happens when an EEOC complaint is filed against you?
Michael Gray
Updated on March 22, 2026
When a charge is filed against an organization, the EEOC will notify the organization within 10 days. The EEOC has authority to investigate whether there is reasonable cause to believe discrimination occurred. In many cases, the organization may choose to resolve a charge through mediation or settlement.
Is an EEOC charge serious?
The bad news is that the business is involved in a serious investigation by a Federal agency. While filing a charge with he EEOC or a state agency is a necessary first step to filing a lawsuit, persons doing so also hope to gain support for their claim by the agency, which may prosecute on the employees’ behalf.
What is the first thing that happens after you file a charge with the EEOC?
After you file a job discrimination complaint with the EEOC, we may offer you and your employer an alternative way to solve your complaint, called “mediation.” Mediation occurs before your complaint is investigated by EEOC and provides you and your employer with an opportunity to discuss the issues that led to your …
How long does the EEOC have to investigate a charge?
180 days
Generally, you must allow the EEOC 180 days to resolve your charge. Although, in some cases, the EEOC may agree to issue a Notice of Right to Sue before the 180 days.
What are the chances of winning an EEOC case?
If the EEOC takes your case to court, they claim, “The EEOC achieved a successful outcome in 95.7 percent of all district court resolutions.” EEOC Releases Fiscal Year 2018 Enforcement and Litigation Data . That page also gives the data on how many of each category of complaints were filed.
How much is the average EEOC settlement?
According to EEOC data, the average out-of-court settlement for employment discrimination claims is about $40,000. Studies of verdicts have shown that about 10% of wrongful termination cases result in a verdict of $1 million or more.
What is the typical EEOC mediation settlement amount?
around $40,000
In terms of a typical amount for EEOC mediation settlements, an average out of court settlement is around $40,000. However, about ten percent of employment discrimination and wrongful termination cases result in a $1 million dollar settlement.
What is the average settlement for discrimination?
about $40,000
According to EEOC data, the average out-of-court settlement for employment discrimination claims is about $40,000. Studies of verdicts have shown that about 10% of wrongful termination cases result in a verdict of $1 million or more.
What is a reasonable settlement offer for discrimination?
At the federal level, the court can award up to: $50,000 to an employee if the employer has between 15 and 100 employees; $100,000 if the employer has 101 to 200 employees; $200,000 if the employer has 201 to 500 employees; and.
Can a terminated employee file an EEOC charge?
Finally, while the majority of EEOC charges are filed by terminated employees, they are occasionally filed by employees who are still working for the company.
When does the EEOC notify you of a charge?
When a charge is filed against an organization, the EEOC will notify the organization within 10 days. The notification will provide a URL for the Respondent to log into the EEOC’s Respondent Portal to access the charge and receive messages about the charge investigation.
What to do if you receive a complaint from the EEOC?
Not following EEOC guidelines closely when you receive a complaint When a complaint is filed with the EEOC against your company, the agency will notify you and provide you with basic information about the nature of the complaint, as well as options for how you can respond.
When to file a right to sue with the EEOC?
The employee may also request a right to sue letter after the case has been pending with the EEOC for 180 days (60 days for age discrimination claims). After a right-to-sue letter has been issued, the employer or counsel should monitor court dockets to see whether a claim is filed within the 90 day time period.