what kind of lawyer do i need for retaliation from my job

by Zechariah Lehner 8 min read

If you are facing employment retaliation, you should consult with a work retaliation lawyer, such as an discrimination lawyers in your area. An experienced employment retaliation attorney can ensure you are aware of your rights, help gather relevant evidence, and prepare you for any defenses the employer may use.

An employment lawyer who is evaluating your potential case needs to know what losses you have suffered as a result of the retaliation, such as lost wages or benefits.

Full Answer

How does an employment lawyer evaluate a retaliation case?

An employment lawyer who is evaluating your potential case needs to know what losses you have suffered as a result of the retaliation, such as lost wages or benefits. Bring in your pay stubs, W-2 forms, or other documents that show your earnings prior to the retaliation. If you have related losses, such as medical expenses that would have been ...

What can be considered workplace retaliation?

  • Getting fired
  • Getting demoted
  • Taking a pay cut
  • Being refused to transfer to a more desirable position
  • Being scheduled in a way that is unreasonably inconvenient
  • Receiving Disciplinary action
  • Receiving a dramatic increase in workload
  • Being excluded from meetings or correspondence that inconveniences your workload

More items...

Is workplace retaliation illegal?

The California Supreme Court building in San Francisco. (Maria Dinzeo/Courthouse News)

What do I need to know about… workplace harassment?

unwelcome conduct, typically conduct of a sexual nature. Workplace harassment may also consist of offensive conduct based on one or more of the protected groups above that is so severe or pervasive that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as being fired or demoted).

What to do if you are facing retaliation?

What is employer retaliation?

How to avoid discrimination in employment?

What is discrimination retaliation?

What is the EEOC?

How long does it take to file a complaint with the EEOC?

What evidence is needed for a job interview?

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What is an example of workplace retaliation?

Retaliation in the workplace is if you make a complaint of discrimination, your employer is not allowed to retaliate against you in any way. Some examples of retaliation would be a termination or failure to hire, a demotion, a decrease in pay, a decrease in the number of hours that you've worked.

What are the three elements of a retaliation claim?

Per federal case law and regulatory agency guidance, there are three essential elements in a claim of retaliation:Protected activity.Adverse action.Causal connection.

How do you fight retaliation at work?

You can prevent retaliation in your business by using some of these strategies.Provide company-wide training. ... Encourage employees to speak up. ... Provide intensive manager training. ... Know how to handle accommodation requests. ... Put it in writing.

What are signs of retaliation in the workplace?

Retaliation in the Workplace: What to Look Out for After You File a ComplaintYou're Excluded or Left Out. ... You're Reassigned to a Different Shift or Department. ... You're Passed Over for a Promotion or Raise. ... Your Pay or Hours are Cut. ... You Encounter More Harassment or Bullying. ... You're Fired from Your Job.

What makes a strong retaliation case?

In order to prove retaliation, you will need evidence to show all of the following: You experienced or witnessed illegal discrimination or harassment. You engaged in a protected activity. Your employer took an adverse action against you in response.

How do I prove retaliation EEOC?

The standard for proving a retaliation claim requires showing that the manager's action might deter a reasonable person from opposing discrimination or participating in the EEOC complaint process.

How do I prove a hostile work environment?

First, it's important to understand the legal requirements. To constitute a hostile work environment, the behavior must discriminate against a protected group of people. That includes conduct based on race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

Is retaliation a form of harassment?

Retaliatory actions are broadly defined to harassing behavior, significant changes to job duties or working conditions, and even threats to take personnel actions.

Is retaliation a crime?

(2) Retaliation against a witness or victim is a class 3 felony.

What is a claim for retaliation?

Retaliation Claims — such claims result when an employee alleges discrimination based on protected status (e.g., race, gender, disability) and, in retaliation for making such a claim, the employee is treated adversely (e.g., the employee receives a demotion).

What is a sentence for retaliation?

Retaliation in a Sentence Although he knew that retaliation would only lead to more pain, the victim plotted a revenge attack on the thieves that broke into his store. 3. Several soldiers fired back at the enemy line in retaliation for the initial shots discharged.

What percentage of EEOC cases won?

We found that at least 63% of workers who filed a complaint eventually lost their job. That number was even higher for workers who filed a disability-related claim, at 67%.

What Is Workplace Retaliation?

Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in legally protected activity. Retaliation can include any negative job actio...

When Is Retaliation Prohibited?

Federal law protects employees from retaliation when employees complain—either internally or to an outside body like the Equal Employment Opportuni...

How Do You Know If Your Employer Is Retaliating Against You?

Sometimes, it's hard to tell whether your employer is retaliating against you. For example, if you complain about your supervisor's harassing condu...

What to Do If You Suspect Retaliation

If you suspect your employer is retaliating against you, first talk to your supervisor or a human resources representative about the reasons for th...

Building A Case of Retaliation

If you suspect retaliation and your employer won't correct the problem, you will need to show a link between your complaint (or other behavior that...

What can a lawyer tell you about a retaliation case?

A lawyer can tell you how strong your case is, what compensation you're likely to recover, and more. To learn more, see our article on how a lawyer evaluates a retaliation case. Talk to a Lawyer.

What is retaliation in a job?

Retaliation can include any negative job action, such as demotion, discipline, firing, salary reduction, or job or shift reassignment. But retaliation can also be more subtle. Sometimes it's clear that an employer's action is negative—for instance, when an employee is fired. But sometimes it's not.

Can an attorney text you?

Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Do laws protect employees from harassment?

Most people know that laws exist to protect employees from discrimination and harassment. However, many don't know these laws also protect employees from retaliation. That means employers cannot punish employees for making discrimination or harassment complaints or participating in workplace investigations.

Does federal law protect employees from retaliation?

Federal law protects employees from retaliation when employees complain— either internally or to an outside body like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)—about workplace discrimination or harassment. That's true even if the claim turns out to be unfounded, as long as it was made in good faith.

Texas Retaliation Attorneys

Many employees who experience harassment in the workplace or a hostile work environment are afraid to report their claims specifically because of possible retaliation by their employers. When an employer retaliates against an employee for engaging in a lawful protected activity, the employer could be liable for damages.

Types of Retaliation Cases We Handle

Retaliation claims involve an employee engaging in protected activity and an employer responding with an adverse employment action.

Retaliation Statistics

In January 2018, Business Insurance reported that retaliation charges accounted for the largest number of charges filed with the EEOC in the fiscal year 2017 for the seventh straight year.

Contact a Texas Retaliation Attorney Today

Leichter Law Firm PC is committed to helping employees in Texas harmed by the actions of their employers. You can have our lawyers provide a complete evaluation of your case as soon as you call 1-833-OT-WAGES or contact us online to receive a 100% confidential consultation.

What can an attorney do for a termination?

An attorney can work with you to review your contract and determine if a stated reason for termination is contemplated by the contract. In some cases, an employer's policies can provide discipline procedures. An attorney can work with you to determine if your employer had a discipline policy it failed to follow.

What damages can an employee recover from wrongful termination?

In a wrongful termination case, damages that a terminated employee may recover include lost pay, lost benefits, possible emotional distress damages, and potential punitive damages. Additionally, if you prevail against your employer you may be entitled to attorney's fees.

What to do if you are terminated for poor performance?

If you were terminated for poor performance, your attorney will want to review any documents related to your performance during your employment and up until your termination. Performance reviews and employment evaluations are important in determining whether you were treated differently than other employees.

Can an employer fire someone for a violation of a contract?

An employer can't legally fire anyone for a reason that breaches an employment contract or violates the law. Unlawful reasons for termination include firing in violation of anti-discrimination law, firing as a form of sexual harassment, firing in violation of labor laws, and firing in retaliation for an employee's complaint against the employer.

Can an employer fire an employee for no reason?

Most employees in the U.S. work at-will. In an at-will employment situation, an employer can fire an employee for any legal reason or no reason. However, at-will employees can't be fired for an unlawful reason. Unless an employee has a contract with their employer saying otherwise, most employees in most states are presumed to be at-will employees.

Harassment at Work

Whether it is your employer or fellow employees who engage in sexual or other harassment at the workplace, you have rights.

Workplace Violence

There are strict laws against violence, but violence does happen in the workplace. All workers have the right to a safe workplace. A qualified employment attorney can help you get the justice you deserve.

Unlawful Termination

The employer’s right to terminate the employees is not absolute; it is conditional. Your termination may be illegal given your situation, and you could fall into a protected class.

Overtime Collection

Some employers could take undue advantage of their employees regarding overtime e.g., unpaid overtime work or working off the clock.

Hour and Wage Issues

If you believe your employer is not following minimum wage laws, or you feel you are not getting the money according to your work, consult an employment lawyer.

What kind of services do lawyers provide?

Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases. Some lawyers specialize in one or two types, such as family and divorce law.

Why do you need a lawyer for a contract?

Even in transactional civil matters, such as drafting a contract, a lawyer can be very helpful. A lawyer can make sure contracts are drafted correctly and avoid problems at a later date. A real estate purchase, business purchase, and/or creation of a trademark or copyright will most likely involve a lawyer.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who is licensed to practice law in a state. Lawyers are also known as attorneys or an attorney at law. Some lawyers are licensed in multiple states. Some lawyers are admitted to practice at the Federal level as well.

Why is it important to have a family lawyer?

It is important in divorce cases for an individual to have a family lawyer representing them to ensure their rights are protected.

What is criminal law?

Criminal law is the body of laws that pertain to crimes. Crimes are actions or behaviors prohibited by state or federal laws. Crimes are punishable by fines, probation, and/or imprisonment. Usually, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies.

Do lawyers handle different types of cases?

There are many different types of lawyers that handle many different types of cases. Some cases may even overlap practice areas. Most lawyers have experience with a variety of cases and will be able to help you with your needs. Despite the prevalence of “lawyer jokes”, lawyers are service oriented and look out for the best interest of their clients.

Can a lawyer work in a law firm?

Lawyers can work in a law firm with other lawyers, with a partner, or practice by themselves in a solo practice. In most cases, a lawyer will be chosen based on the type of case, or practice area, and the location of the case. Lawyers can provide a wide range of services to their clients. Some lawyers handle many different types of cases.

What to do if you are facing retaliation?

If you are facing employment retaliation, you should consult with a work retaliation lawyer, such as an discrimination lawyers in your area. An experienced employment retaliation attorney can ensure you are aware of your rights, help gather relevant evidence, and prepare you for any defenses the employer may use.

What is employer retaliation?

Employer retaliation refers to any adverse employment action taken against an employee who has filed a discrimination or harassment complaint. This also includes any negative action taken against an employee who has reported a violation of workplace law.

How to avoid discrimination in employment?

Some steps employers should take to avoid employment discrimination retaliation include: Document Each Step In the Complaint Process: The person determining the outcome of the case may consider whether there was actually retaliation, based on how seriously the employer took initial complaint of discrimination.

What is discrimination retaliation?

Discrimination retaliation is an especially complex form of employment discrimination. An example of this would be if an employer has either hired or fired an employee based on their race or age. If the employee is treated adversely after complaining about being harassed in the workplace, or fired, on the basis of their race or age, ...

What is the EEOC?

The Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission, or “ EEOC ,” is a federal agency that investigates claims of workplace discrimination. They have the regulatory powers to enforce various anti-discrimination laws. Generally, an employee cannot sue their employer for discrimination without first going through the EEOC.

How long does it take to file a complaint with the EEOC?

Filing a complaint with the EEOC begins when an employee contacts them within 45 days of the alleged discrimination. If the issue cannot be resolved within 30 days, a formal complaint must be filed at an EEOC field or district office.

What evidence is needed for a job interview?

There are many types of sufficient evidence, including but not limited to: Written evidence of the discrimination and/or retaliation, such as email and other communication; Verbal communications, such as statements made in the interview ;

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