You file a charge with the EEOC.
EEOC offers mediation between Company and employee. If turned down, then it does an investigation. Company has x number of days to file a statement of position which explains why it did what it did.
EEOC makes a determination of whether there was "probable cause" of discrimination or "no probable cause" of discrimination. EEOC issues a "right to sue" letter.
You have to find an attorney to represent you after you get the "right to sue" letter. If/when you find an attorney, he/she will tell you how much you might/can be able to sue for.
Unless the discrimination is extremely eggregious, don't count on big bucks and don't count on the company rolling over to pay out anything. Companies would rather pay the attorney representing them the big money than open themselves up to other lawsuits such as yours from their other employees. This can get a down and dirty. Paying money to an x-employee under these circumstances sets a bad example to other employees and there is no way a company is going to let anyone think it is a gravy train.
In other words, "don't count your chickens until they hatch," and don't think you are going to win the lottery.
