Sacramento Workplace Retaliation Lawyer

Sacramento Workplace Retaliation Attorney

It can be difficult to deal with unfair practices in the workplace, especially when your superiors are fully aware of the behavior but refuse to do anything about it. Things can escalate significantly when they, instead, decide to fire you simply for having the courage to report such behavior and trying to do the right thing. Bringing an employment law claim can be intimidating if you believe you could lose your job. A Sacramento workplace retaliation lawyer can help. For broader legal assistance with workplace issues, consulting a Sacramento employment lawyer can provide comprehensive support and guidance.

What Is Workplace Retaliation?

Workplace retaliation occurs when you are discriminated against in the workplace or terminated for speaking out against unfair practices, blowing the whistle on illegal activity, or cooperating with an investigation aimed at your employers. In California, retaliation is discriminatory behavior that opens your employer up to a number of potential legal actions from various agencies, as well as an investigation by the Retaliation Complaint Investigation Unit (RCI).

In the event that you find your place of employment turning into a hostile work environment after you took a stand against your employers, you may want to reach out to an experienced workplace retaliation lawyer immediately. Retaliation does not necessarily mean termination. It can come in the form of losing benefits, being demoted, being treated differently, and more unfair behavior from your supervisor and even your coworkers.

Potential Grounds for a Retaliation Claim

The actions taken by your employer in the wake of exercising your rights under California labor laws could be considered an act of retaliation if such behavior blatantly undermines your rights or even threatens you. Here are some of the various situations where retaliation may occur and there may be grounds for a retaliation claim:

• Engaging in a Protected Activity: Since California is an at-will employment state, your employer does not actually need a reason to fire you. They can do so at their own discretion whenever they want, but only for reasons that are not unlawful. If you can prove that you were fired in retaliation for engaging in a protected activity, you may be able to establish grounds for a wrongful termination case.
• Denying Sexual Advances: If you find yourself facing a hostile work environment after denying the sexual advances of a superior, you should immediately reach out to a workplace retaliation lawyer and inform them of everything you are dealing with. In addition, you may want to speak to law enforcement about sexual harassment going on in your workplace.
• Refusing Illegal Requests: If your employer requests for you to engage in behavior that is illegal or discriminatory and you refuse, the fallout of that refusal could be harmful to your work environment and result in retaliatory behavior from your employer. You may no longer be considered a “team player,” and your employer may make the workplace so unbearable for you that you quit on your own.
• Whistleblowing: Retaliatory behavior from your employer can be the result of you blowing the whistle on a company scandal, illegal activity, or discriminatory practices. By informing higher-ups, the police, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), your company may now see you as traitorous and may seek to get back at you.

If your employer is subjecting you to any retaliatory behavior, don’t hesitate to contact a workplace retaliation lawyer as soon as you can.

FAQs

Q: Can I Take Legal Action Against My Employer for Retaliation in California?

A: Yes, you can take legal action against your employer for retaliation in California. California’s comprehensive labor laws protect workers’ rights in many different ways, including in the wake of workplace retaliation. If your company takes adverse action against you after exercising your employee rights under California state law, you may have a solid retaliation case to pursue against them.

Q: How Do You Prove Retaliation in the Workplace in California?

A: There are many different ways you can prove retaliation in the workplace in California. First and foremost, you must prove a causal connection between your protected action and the subsequent negative action taken by your employer. The negative action may include termination, demotion, verbal abuse, suspension, physical abuse, immigration threats, reduction in hours or pay, or a refusal to promote you.

Q: How Do You Win a Retaliation Case Against an Employer?

A: The only way to win a retaliation case against your employer is by having a very strong case against them. You can build a strong case by gathering evidence of the retaliatory actions taken by your employer. This evidence can include emails, texts, phone calls, video footage, audio recordings, and witness testimony. The more evidence you have that proves your claim, the stronger your case will be.

Q: How Hard Is It to Prove Retaliation in the Workplace?

A: It can be quite hard to prove retaliation in the workplace, or it can be simple. It depends entirely on the details of your case and how much evidence you are able to gather to prove your version of the events. Collecting evidence of the incident can be easier said than done. Sometimes, you may have very little to go on. An experienced workplace retaliation lawyer can help you figure out a strategy and assist in gathering evidence through their own investigation.

Reach Out to a Workplace Retaliation Lawyer Today

It can be infuriating to lose your job as a result of standing up for yourself. You may be angry, vengeful, and even a bit confused, all of which is understandable. This may be a difficult situation for you. Don’t forget your rights under California’s labor laws. Retaliation is discrimination, and you have every right to pursue legal action against the parties who have hurt you and your professional reputation.

The legal team at Clark Employment Law, APC, understands the kind of legal help you need to fight workplace retaliation. We can help you build up your case, gather the evidence you need, and make sure your interests and rights are consistently protected. Contact us to speak with a team member about a consultation.