Geddings v. Costco Wholesale Corp.

Geddings v. Costco Wholesale Corp. – Case Summary

What Happened

A worker named Geddings filed a discrimination and hostile work environment complaint against Costco Wholesale Corp. To pursue a federal lawsuit, Geddings needed to first file a charge with the New Mexico Human Rights Commission, a required step in discrimination cases.

What the Court Decided

The court dismissed the case without ruling on whether discrimination actually occurred. The dismissal was based solely on timing: Geddings filed the federal complaint more than 90 days after receiving a "non-determination" letter from the state commission. This deadline violation meant the court didn't have authority to hear the case. However, the dismissal was "without prejudice," meaning Geddings could potentially refile if the timing issue is corrected.

Why This Matters for Workers

This case highlights the strict deadlines that govern discrimination claims. Workers pursuing discrimination lawsuits must carefully track filing deadlines at both state and federal levels. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your case entirely, even if your discrimination claim has merit. Workers should consult with someone familiar with employment law early in the process to ensure all deadlines are met.