Protecting Employees from Employer Retaliation

Employment Retaliation Lawyers Serving Los Angeles

When you report an employer for an illegal action or violation of regulations, it may be possible that they try to retaliate against you. This means that they may fire you, demote your position, cut your hours, or any other damaging effect. When this happens, your employer is breaking the law and you should retain legal representation as soon as possible.

Begin with a free consultation by calling (310) 693-5561 today.

At V. James DeSimone Law, our Los Angeles employer retaliation attorneys have 30 years of experience representing employees. We understand your rights and various options if you are facing retaliation in the workplace. We also know that if you have been wrongfully terminated or your hours have been reduced, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages. Our firm has achieved multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients in the past. You deserve tenacious advocates to help you seek the compensation you deserve if you are the victim of retaliation.

Compensation may be recovered for:

• Lost wages
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

What is retaliation in the workplace? 

According to the EEOC, retaliation in the workplace is the punishment of an employee by his or her employer as a direct result of the employee reporting discrimination, harassment, or other unfair and unlawful practices in the workplace. Reporting an employer for certain actions (such as unlawful employment practices) is considered a “protected activity,” which means that it is illegal for employers to retaliate in any way against employees for taking these types of actions.

How do you know whether you have suffered unlawful retaliation? While some types of unlawful employment-related retaliation can be very obvious, such as being terminated from your job after reporting unlawful practices, other types of retaliation are not always so simple to recognize. 

For example, even if you were not terminated, you may still be suffering from subtle forms of retaliation, such as:

• A demotion, or a reduced or adverse shift of responsibilities;
• Negative and unfair treatment from supervisors;
• Reduced pay or a reduction in benefits; or
• Unfavorable work assignments or conditions of employment. 
• By your side from start to finish

What laws protect me from retaliation? 

There are a variety of laws, both at the state and federal level, which protect employees like you from retaliation in the workplace. These laws prohibit your employer from punishing you for reporting unfair employment practices aimed against you or others. 

For example, the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 provides legal protection to whistleblowers, which is a term used to describe people who report what they believe to be unlawful conduct in their workplace, who “report waste, fraud, abuse of authority, violation of law, or threat to the public.” This allows employees to be honest and hold employers accountable without fear of retaliation, such as being demoted, facing a pay cut, or losing their job altogether. 

How can I prove that I’m being retaliated against? 

Proving retaliation in the workplace can be a difficult, but not impossible, task. Essentially, you must prove that the negative attention you are receiving at work is a direct result of an action you took. For example, you were passed over for a promotion for another employee who is perhaps even less qualified than you because you reported sexual harassment from your supervisor (see our sexual harassment law page). 

I’ve been retaliated against in the workplace. What do I do next? 

It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you in any way. You also have a right to a safe workplace, including physical, emotional, and mental safety. 

If you, like many others, are wondering why you should hire an attorney rather than filing a retaliation claim against your employer yourself, you should understand that this decision could control the outcome and success of your case. Pursuing a retaliation claim against your employer requires a strong factual basis and a thorough understanding of whistleblower protection laws and other laws which your employer may have violated. Without this legal understanding, it is likely that you will not get the justice you are seeking.

Hiring an employment lawyer who is knowledgeable and experienced in this area of the law, and passionate about your case, gives you peace of mind that your claim is in trustworthy and capable hands. He or she will be able to advise about whether you have a viable case and will be able to work on your behalf to bring about the best possible outcome. 

Contact an Experienced Los Angeles Retaliation  Attorney Today

If you need to talk to a Los Angeles retaliation attorney regarding your specific situation, we urge you to call V. James DeSimone Law today and schedule a consultation. Our intake team will meet with you personally to discuss the specific circumstances of your matter, and also how we might be able to assist you. Our intake team takes the time needed and special care with each new potential client to determine if, and how we can help.

You can trust that we have your best interests at the top of our priority lists and aim to help you obtain justice. Whether you are in Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, or anywhere else in Southern California, V. James DeSimone Law is here for you.

Call today at (310) 693-5561 to begin.