What are 'Damages'?
The money awarded to make up for how you were harmed.
Damages are the money awarded to a person who was harmed by someone else's unlawful actions. The goal is to put you back in the financial position you would be in if your employer had not broken the law.
Why it matters to you
Damages are what your case seeks to recover. In employment cases they can include lost wages (often called back pay), compensation for emotional distress, and in some cases additional amounts meant to punish serious misconduct, called punitive damages. What is available depends on your specific legal claims.
Calculating damages can be complex, and no one can promise a particular amount. Keeping records of your job search, pay, and how the situation has affected you helps us build the strongest picture of your losses.
An example from an employment case
Imagine you were fired after reporting harassment and were out of work for eight months before finding a lower-paying job. Your damages might include the pay you lost during that gap, the ongoing difference in pay, and compensation for the distress the firing caused.
Every case is different. Ask your legal team how this applies to yours.
Related terms
Legal Claim, Complaint, Settlement Agreement, Trial
Still have questions? Your legal team is happy to help. Message us through the client portal or call the office, and we will point you to the right person.