Employees who prove workplace retaliation may be entitled to significant compensation under New Jersey law.
The purpose of these damages is to restore employees to the position they would have been in had the retaliation not occurred.
Back Pay
Back pay compensates employees for income they lost due to retaliation.
This may include:
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lost wages
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bonuses
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commissions
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benefits
Back pay is typically calculated from the date of the retaliatory action until the resolution of the case.
Front Pay
Front pay compensates employees for future lost earnings when reinstatement is not possible.
Courts may award front pay when returning to the workplace would create conflict or hostility.
Emotional Distress Damages
Retaliation often causes significant emotional harm.
Employees may recover compensation for:
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anxiety
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stress
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humiliation
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damage to professional reputation
These damages recognize the psychological impact of unlawful workplace conduct.
Punitive Damages
In severe cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish employers who engage in particularly egregious conduct.
These damages are intended to deter future misconduct.
Attorney’s Fees and Legal Costs
New Jersey law often allows employees who win retaliation cases to recover attorney’s fees and litigation expenses.
This provision helps employees pursue claims even when they lack financial resources.
