Can I Sue My Employer in Coral Springs, FL?

By Gary A. Costales

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Employment Law

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Last Modified on Apr 10, 2026

Unfortunately, many employees in Florida experience an issue that leaves them wondering, “Can I sue my employer in Coral Springs, FL?” While it is possible to file a claim against your employer, it is important to understand what conflicts are legally actionable.

Generally, issues relating to violations of your rights as an employee can lead to claims against your employer. Some of these rights include protection against discrimination and harassment, the right to be fairly compensated for your work, and the right to retaliation. If you are experiencing a significant issue at work, a Coral Springs employment attorney from the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., can explain what your next steps should be.

Every employee has rights and protections under Florida employment laws. These include the largest employers in Coral Springs, such as Broward County Schools, Fiserv, and Publix Supermarket, along with employees at smaller local businesses.

What to Know About Filing a Claim Against a Discriminatory Employer

Discrimination is one of the leading reasons for claims against Florida employers. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received 6,611 claims of discrimination in Fiscal Year 2024. Employment laws protect employees from discrimination and harassment based on a protected characteristic, common examples of which include:

• Racial discrimination. Many people face race or color discrimination in hiring, promotions, and pay. Harassment such as racial slurs, offensive jokes, or unwanted touching can also warrant filing a racial discrimination claim.
• Disability discrimination. More than half of employers provide disability accommodations for employees. It is illegal for an employer to deny an employee reasonable accommodations for their disability or refuse to discuss accommodations.
• Pregnancy discrimination. If you are pregnant, are recovering from childbirth, or have a related medical condition, you have legal protections, such as job-protected family medical leave and the ability to use accommodations. Unfortunately, 1 in 5 mothers has experienced workplace discrimination due to pregnancy.
• Sexual harassment. Unfortunately, sexual harassment is a common type of sex or gender discrimination that employees face. Sexual harassment can often be severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment. While anyone can experience sexual harassment, women file 2% of claims with the EEOC.

Recognizing Retaliation at Work

Retaliation involves an employer penalizing an employee for an illegal reason. Often, retaliation is part of another issue, such as retaliation against an employee who was reporting a racial discrimination issue. Retaliation can be done through many adverse actions, including harassment, negative performance reviews, poor scheduling, demotion, and firing.

Understanding the reason for retaliation can often be difficult. If you hire an employment lawyer, they can identify whether you are being retaliated against and whether you can file a claim against your employer. An employer may retaliate against an employee if they:

• File a claim against the employer.
• Participate in an internal investigation.
• Request or use an accommodation.
• Report the employer for a safety issue.

When Should You Hire an Employment Lawyer for Wage and Hour Issues?

Wage and hour issues can be frustrating and cause real financial hardship. The first way to address these issues is by speaking with your employer and filing internal reports with HR or your supervisor. If internal reporting does not bring you the fair compensation or fair schedule you need, then you should speak with a Coral Springs employment attorney about filing a claim.

A key wage and hour law that employers commonly violate is overtime. Employment laws require that you be paid one and a half times your normal rate for any hours you work over 40 hours a week. Being forced to work off the clock rather than being paid overtime, or being paid your normal rate, are both examples of overtime violations.

FAQs

How Do I Prove That I Am Being Treated Unfairly at Work?

Proving unfair treatment can be complex, as it requires evidence that proves your negative treatment and that the treatment is due to a protected characteristic. A Coral Springs employment lawyer can collect and analyze evidence from your workplace to prove your story. Evidence varies by case, but it often includes:

• Communication records between you and your employer
• Witness testimonies
• Performance reviews
• Prior reports
• Comparative company data

Is Filing a Claim Against Your Employer Worth It?

Yes, filing a claim against your employer is often worth it. Filing a claim can uphold your employee rights and prevent future injustices by causing company changes. You can achieve remedies such as reinstatement, a raise, or financial compensation for your losses. A lawyer can explain what benefits filing a claim can offer your case. They can also build a claim that targets favorable remedies.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Claim Against Your Employer?

Damages in an employment case can cover many damages you have suffered due to your employer’s misconduct. Compensation can cover financial losses such as back and front pay, emotional distress, and legal fees. Punitive damages may also be awarded to punish your employer for extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, but they are capped at $100,000.

Can You File a Claim Against an Employer You No Longer Work For?

Yes, you can file a claim against an employer you no longer work for, though you must be sure to meet all filing deadlines. Many people in an employment case are wrongfully terminated or choose to quit. This does not eliminate their right to file a claim. Hire an employment lawyer as soon as possible to meet the strict deadlines that apply to your case.

Learn How the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., Can Work Toward Justice for You

The Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., has over 30 years of experience in defending the rights of Coral Springs employees. Gary A. Costales has represented many employers in court, giving him a deep understanding of what it takes to file a successful claim against an employer. Whether you are experiencing discrimination or are being underpaid, we can work for a full recovery of your damages.

It can be difficult to navigate an employment case, especially one involving the wide range of legal issues that can be involved in such a case. Contact the Law Offices of Gary A. Costales, P.A., to learn how our Coral Springs employment firm can build a personalized case.