§ 34:19-13 — Civil action by aggrieved employee.

5. Any aggrieved employee may enforce the provisions of P.L.2006, c.53 (C.34:19-9 et seq.) by means of a civil action brought no later than ninety days after the date of the alleged violation in Superior Court. The court shall award a prevailing employee all appropriate relief, including any of the following which are applicable to the violation: a. Injunctive relief, including, but not limited to, a restraining order against any continuing violation; b. The reinstatement of the employee to the employee's former position or an equivalent position and the reestablishment of any employee benefits and seniority rights; c. The payment of any lost wages, benefits, or other remuneration; d. The payment of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs of the action; and e. Other appropriate relief as considered necessary by the court. In addition, the court may award the prevailing employee punitive damages not greater than treble damages or an assessment of a civil fine of not more than $1,000 for a first violation of P.L.2006, c.53 (C.34:19-9 et seq.) and not more than $5,000 for each subsequent violation, which shall be paid to the State Treasurer for deposit in the General Fund. L.2006, c.53, s.5; amended 2025, c.138, s.5.