What Is Workplace Retaliation?

Any time an employer punishes a worker for engaging in a legally protected activity, it is workplace retaliation. Sometimes, employers retaliate when an employee reports discrimination, files a safety complaint, refuses to participate in illegal activity, requests medical leave, or asserts their rights under workplace retaliation laws.

Workplace retaliation is not limited to wrongful termination. Sometimes, the retaliation occurs as a demotion, reduction in hours, reassignment, verbal abuse, isolation, or any action designed to punish the worker. What constitutes retaliation in workplaces is any retaliatory action that creates a hostile work environment, or harms the employee’s career. A skilled workplace retaliation lawyer can stop the abuse and protect the employee’s rights.

Examples of Retaliation in the Workplace

Workplace retaliation can take many forms, some obvious, others more subtle.

Common workplace retaliation examples include:

  • Termination after filing a harassment complaint
  • Demotion or undesirable reassignment following a request for medical leave
  • Threats or intimidation after reporting wage violations
  • Exclusion from meetings or promotions after whistleblowing
  • Reduction in wage or salary
  • Creating a hostile work environment
  • Transferring an employee to a less desirable department
  • Refusing a transfer request
  • Giving an unfairly poor performance review

Workplace retaliation can cause long-term harm to an employee’s career. Recognizing the signs of workplace retaliation and hiring a qualified employment lawyer for retaliation is essential to ending the harassment and protecting the employee.

Why You Need a Work Retaliation Lawyer

Many workers try to endure workplace retaliation quietly — hoping it will stop or fearing they will lose their jobs if they speak up. But silence just empowers employers to continue breaking the law. Quitting or suffering in silence are not the only options. An experienced Lawyers for Justice, P.C. lawyer for workplace retaliation can level the playing field.

Retaliation attorneys gather evidence, file claims, and take strategic action to hold employers accountable. They can also advise the company on how to prevent retaliation in the workplace while the case is ongoing. If settlement negotiations fail to achieve justice for the employee, a Lawyers for Justice, P.C. retaliation lawyer prepares for trial, bringing the experience and leverage needed to win fair and just results.

Legal Steps to Take If You’ve Experienced Retaliation at Work

An employee experiencing workplace retaliation should ensure they document everything. These records form the basis for the legal claim. Proper workplace retaliation documentation is critical to protecting the employee’s rights and securing appropriate compensation.

Next, report the retaliatory behavior through the proper channels, such as HR or a direct supervisor, and document the report. If the retaliation continues or worsens, it’s time to speak with a retaliation attorney.

Lawyers for Justice, P.C.’s workplace retaliation lawyers understand how quickly retaliation can escalate. They act fast to protect workers’ legal rights and build a powerful case from the start.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Workplace Retaliation Attorney

Workplace retaliation is illegal — and no worker should face it alone. Lawyers for Justice, P.C., is here to help. With a strong team of workplace retaliation lawyers and a record for holding retaliatory employers accountable, Lawyers for Justice, P.C. fights to protect workers’ rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. Call (818) JUSTICE or complete the contact form to schedule a free consultation with a retaliation attorney today.

Connect with an attorney near you

100+ Awards

125yrs Combined experience

50+ Professional Attorneys

1000+ Successful cases won

Free 15-Minute Consultation

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Share your story. Case evaluations are free and confidential. We’ll determine whether you have a viable case and tell you the best course of action for your unique situation.

Retain Service with No Upfront Cost

After a thorough consultation, our team becomes your dedicated point of contact, handling every detail to achieve the best possible outcome.

Get the Justice You Deserve

We’ll secure the compensation you’re entitled to for the hardships you’ve endured. Your fight is our fight