Cause of Action
A set of facts sufficient to justify a right to sue to obtain money, property, or the enforcement of a right against another party.
Definition
Virginia Senate Bill 1132 established a 'cause of action,' granting an aggrieved prospective employee or current employee the legal right to initiate a lawsuit against an employer who violates the bill's provisions. This legal mechanism would have allowed individuals to seek remedies such as statutory damages, actual damages, reasonable attorney fees, and other appropriate legal and equitable relief in a court of competent jurisdiction. The inclusion of a private cause of action is a significant enforcement tool, empowering individuals to directly challenge discriminatory practices and seek redress for violations of their rights under the proposed law.