Can I Sue For Emotional Distress From An Employer?

While most of us experience stress at our jobs, there are situations where the emotional harm from a toxic workplace becomes too much to bear. What can you do when this happens to you? Can you sue your employer for emotional distress?

The answer to that question is: it depends. Michigan’s workers’ compensation laws generally protect employers from being sued over injuries they caused accidentally through their negligence. In exchange for these protections, most employers must provide workers’ compensation benefits to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses on the job—including those of a psychological nature.

However, employers are not protected from lawsuits in instances where an employee’s injuries are caused by the employer’s deliberate actions or in violation of a worker’s civil rights. If your emotional distress arises because of your employer’s discrimination, retaliation, or sexual harassment, you may indeed have grounds to file a lawsuit against them.

When do you have a case?

For example, you might have a case against your employer if you’ve experienced emotional distress because:

• You witnessed or were the target of harassment or discrimination in the workplace
• Your employer has retaliated against you for reporting them to the authorities
• You suffered injuries as a result of certain workplace violations

If you’ve suffered job-related emotional distress, you should see a doctor or therapist as soon as possible. Without robust medical evidence to support their claims, you are unlikely to prove the connection between the emotional distress you’ve experienced and your employer’s actions. Employees dealing with emotional distress should also contact an experienced attorney for help. A lawyer can review what happened and evaluate other options for recovering compensation, such as a workplace discrimination or wrongful termination lawsuit.

Just Right Law firmly believes in protecting the rights of Michigan workers, and our team can help you hold your employer accountable for the emotional harm they’ve caused you. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.