How can suing an employer affect my career?

It may. It depends on the claims, if they are brought in good faith, etc. Some employers may frown on an employee who sued a prior employer, but again, depends on the facts, etc. In many instances, a future employer may never learn of your lawsuit.

That's rally hard to determine. It would be a public document. If a future employer did a public records search it may come up. Most of my clients that have sued have gotten other jobs.

Best of luck.

Books could be written on the subject. This forum isn't really suitable for all the 'what-ifs ' if an open ended hypothetical question.

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Lawsuits are a matter of public record that other employers, if they do a background check, may discover, which may dissuade them from hiring someone. That being said, if you have legitimate claims, you should consult with an employment attorney to determine your options because you should not give up your legal rights out of fear. There are also other ways of handling legal matters, such as pre-litigation mediation, that is far more confidential than a public lawsuit.

Suing an employer may have several effects that are very hard to fully predict. Lawsuits are public records easily discovered by someone motivated to find them. A simply database search for a few dollars can locate lawsuits. A few keystrokes more and future potential employers can read the allegations of the lawsuit.

Some employers may shy away from an employee who has proven he or she has the moxie to sue their employer. If you are ever treated unlawfully in the future, there is no doubt a prior lawsuit against an employer will be discovered and attempts will likely be made to paint the employee as overly litigious or overly sensitive, or worse, a liar and user of the legal system to make money.

Litigation can change people. They can become bitter, depressed and angry. Litigation will keep festering emotional sores open and unhealed for a lengthy period of time. Stress associated with litigation can wear people down emotionally and physically.

Litigation should never be entered into lightly.

Good luck to you.

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