Minneapolis, MN employment law attorney Ashwin Madia talks about the damages that can be awarded in a wrongful termination case. He points out that Minnesota has some of the strongest laws in the country protecting employees from wrongful termination based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or in retaliation for reporting discrimination. In such cases, employees are entitled to recover lost wages, including back pay, as well as front pay, which covers the difference between previous earnings and what they may earn in a new position.

He emphasizes that Minnesota law also allows for emotional distress damages, often referred to as “dignity damages,” which compensate for the harm caused by being discriminated against due to inherent personal characteristics. Testimony from family members, friends, and colleagues can help demonstrate the impact of the discrimination on the employee and their loved ones.

Additionally, Minnesota law permits punitive damages, intended to punish employers for unlawful discrimination or retaliation, and treble damages, which allow a jury to award up to three times the actual damages suffered.

He highlights that these protections serve not only to safeguard employees but also to uphold fairness and equity within the broader community. Discrimination undermines the workforce and society as a whole, and Minnesota law ensures that opportunities are determined by qualifications, abilities, and character rather than immutable personal traits.