SINICK

**Court Dismisses Worker's Discrimination Case Over Unpaid Filing Fees** A worker filed a discrimination lawsuit against their employer, Cheng Ji, but the case was dismissed before it could be heard on its merits. **What Happened** The worker brought a discrimination claim against their employer but ran into a procedural roadblock. When filing a lawsuit in federal court, plaintiffs must either pay a $405 filing fee or apply for a fee waiver if they cannot afford it. This fee waiver is called an "in forma pauperis" application, which allows people with limited financial resources to proceed without paying court costs. **The Court's Decision** The court dismissed the case because the worker failed to either pay the required $405 filing fee or submit the proper paperwork for a fee waiver within the court's deadline. The dismissal was "without prejudice," meaning the worker can refile the case if they correct these procedural issues. **What This Means for Workers** This case highlights an important practical barrier workers face when pursuing discrimination claims. Even if you have a valid case, you must follow strict court procedures and deadlines. Workers who cannot afford filing fees should immediately request fee waiver forms when filing lawsuits. Missing procedural deadlines can derail even strong cases, so legal assistance or careful attention to court requirements is crucial.