Long Beach Workplace Retaliation Lawyer

Long Beach Workplace Retaliation Attorney

Having to face unfair practices in the workplace can be infuriating, especially if you are being retaliated against for doing the right thing. If you experience or witness harassment in the workplace and report it to the right people, you are making an effort to bring an end to bad behavior in your workplace. If your employer then tries to hurt your career or make your work life miserable, you should contact a Long Beach workplace retaliation lawyer as soon as you can.

Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA understands the kind of representation you will need. They can make sure the right efforts are taken to hold your employer accountable for retaliating against you. Workplace retaliation is illegal under California’s comprehensive labor laws, and your employer could end up facing significant legal trouble for trying to engage in retaliatory practices. A good lawyer can prepare your case and document your interactions.

Workplace Retaliation in California

According to a 2024 study by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), nearly 2,600 reported incidents of workplace discrimination were directly connected to some sort of workplace retaliation by an employer. Retaliation is not rare. While California labor laws prohibit retaliation by an employer, it does still happen, particularly in workplaces that foster a hostile work environment or refuse to do anything about sexual harassment.

If you have been retaliated against by your employer, it may be affecting your mental health. After all, retaliation can lead to mistreatment, abuse, and even wrongful termination. If you are having trouble dealing with the fallout of your retaliation, you may want to speak with a local support group, such as the Brainspotting Group or Foresight Mental Health. Speaking to someone about what you’re going through can be a significant help.

Retaliation After Sexual Harassment

One of the more common situations that result in workplace retaliation is the fallout from a sexual harassment situation. It is illegal under state and federal law to retaliate against an employee for filing a complaint regarding sexual harassment. If your employer starts treating you negatively after you try to stand up for yourself, you may have a significant retaliation case to pursue. You should consider speaking with a workplace retaliation lawyer or a sexual harassment lawyer who can represent your interests.

If your employer retaliates against you for filing a sexual harassment complaint, you can pursue legal action against them. To do so, you will need to prove a causal connection between your employer’s actions and your initial complaint. You may want to start by realizing exactly how you are being retaliated against. It may not be obvious at first. Retaliation can take many different forms, including:

• Termination. One of the most common forms of retaliation is simply firing you. Your employer may assume that firing you is the easiest way to get rid of what they perceive as a problem. While California is an at-will employment state, your employer cannot fire you for any illegal reasons. Retaliation is an illegal reason.
• Demotion. Another common form of retaliation is a demotion. Your employer may try to minimize your responsibilities after you file a sexual harassment complaint. They may now see you as disloyal or a future liability. By demoting you, they may even be hoping you just quit on your own.

Once you understand exactly how you have been retaliated against, you need to prove it. Proving retaliation may not be easy, especially if your employer has been careful enough to cover their activities. You want to be sure to document every interaction with your harasser and your employer. Evidence that can help includes written correspondence, witness testimony, and anything that proves discriminatory action against you.

FAQs

How Do You Prove Retaliation in the Workplace in California?

There are many ways you can prove retaliation in the workplace in California. You will need as much evidence as you can find that supports a causal link between your sexual harassment complaint and subsequent retaliatory actions taken by your employer. The evidence you need can include emails, text exchanges, audio recordings, performance reviews, and even witness testimony that supports your version of events. A lawyer can build you a solid case.

Should I Tell HR I’m Getting a Lawyer?

In California, you are generally not required to notify HR about your intention to hire a lawyer. In fact, you may be reluctant to tell HR about your lawyer out of fear of workplace retaliation, which certainly can happen. Above all, you want to take action to protect yourself and your rights as a California worker. You should speak with a lawyer first and let them advise you on how to proceed with HR.

What Behaviors Are Considered Workplace Retaliation?

Several different behaviors are considered workplace retaliation. Essentially, any negative behavior taken by your employer toward you as a result of you engaging in a protected activity may be considered workplace retaliation. Examples of workplace retaliation include:

• Wrongful termination
• A pay cut
• A demotion
• A reduction in hours
• A transfer to a less favorable position or department

It depends on your employer.

How Much Does an Employment Lawyer Cost in California?

How much an employment lawyer may cost you in California will vary from firm to firm. Every case that requires an employment lawyer is going to be different. Every situation has its own contributing factors that make each one a different experience for the people involved. Those factors are also going to determine your lawyer’s fee. Factors such as the complexity of your case, as well as your lawyer’s own experience, education, and resources, will impact the cost.

Contact a Workplace Retaliation Lawyer Today

When you lodge a sexual harassment complaint with your company and they respond by making things even worse for you, it’s understandable to want justice against your employer. A good employment lawyer in Long Beach can help you seek accountability against your employer.

Sexual Harassment Law Firm CA can put together a strong case to take legal action against your employer for workplace retaliation. We can gather evidence, build up your case, and make sure you aren’t taken advantage of. Contact us to speak to a valued member of our team about what we can do for you.