Sacramento Retaliation Lawyer

Passionate Retaliation Attorney in Sacramento

When you see something illegal or unethical happening in the workplace, you have a right and an obligation to report it. Whether it be discrimination, harassment, wage theft, or any other wrongful acts, reporting these behaviors creates a safer work environment for everyone. When an employer punishes a worker for reporting these acts or participating in an investigation, employees can turn to a Sacramento retaliation lawyer for help.

What Is Retaliation

When an employer disciplines, harasses, or discriminates against an employee for reporting illegal actions or participating in an investigation into these actions, they’ve engaged in retaliation. Filing reports and assisting investigators are protected, and employers cannot take any adverse action against their employees who engage in them.

In 2022 alone, the California Civil Rights Division issued 2,259 retaliation charges, making up over half of discrimination charges in the state. If you believe you’ve been targeted for reporting illegal behavior or participating in an investigation, a Sacramento retaliation attorney can help protect your rights and pursue compensation.

Examples of Retaliation in the Workplace

Workplace retaliation can take many forms after an employee engages in a protected activity like reporting misconduct. Some common examples of retaliation that Sacramento employees face include:

• Termination shortly after reporting illegal activity
• Demotion or reduction in responsibilities
• Having pay, hours, or shifts cut without a valid reason
• Being reassigned to less desirable duties
• Exclusion from meetings, projects, or training opportunities
• Being subjected to threats or disciplinary actions

While some types of retaliation are clear, others are more subtle and may require investigation and evidence to prove. Your attorney can assist you with collecting proof and representing you throughout your retaliation case, whether you report the act to the Civil Rights Department in California or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Legal Protections Against Retaliation

Workers in Sacramento are protected from retaliation under both federal and state laws. At the federal level, several laws are in place that prohibit retaliation, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Whistleblower Protection Act. While each of these laws applies in different situations, knowing you have protections is essential if your employer takes action against you.

In California, workers are also protected by the Fair Employment and Housing Act, which makes it illegal for employers to take adverse action against employees for reporting discrimination, harassment, or requesting reasonable accommodations. The state also extends its own protections to whistleblowers who report illegal or unsafe conduct.

How Asbill Law Group Can Help

At the Asbill Law Group, we’re passionate about helping our clients pursue compensation and justice after they’ve been subjected to retaliation in the workplace. We know how retaliation can derail a person’s career, and we act swiftly to protect workers’ rights and help them file claims with the California CRD or the EEOC to receive a right-to-sue letter. As experienced trial attorneys, we aren’t afraid of going to court, meaning you won’t feel pressured to accept a settlement offer that doesn’t properly compensate you.

We can help you understand your rights and determine whether your situation meets the legal standards of retaliation. From there, we can investigate the misconduct, collect evidence to build your case, and represent you in negotiations or court proceedings. You can trust our team to give you the legal guidance you need to navigate this process, standing by your side every step of the way.

FAQs

Is It Worth Filing a Claim for Retaliation?

Yes, it is often filing a claim for retaliation. If your employer subjects you to mistreatment for engaging in protected activities, you’re entitled to compensation for your losses. You shouldn’t have to suffer because you chose to do the right thing. What’s more, filing a claim holds them accountable for their actions, which can prevent other employees from suffering similar treatment in the future.

How Long Do I Have to File a Retaliation Claim?

How long you have to file a retaliation claim primarily depends on the agency you’re filing your report with. If you’re reporting to the California Civil Rights Department, you have three years from the last date you were harmed to report your employer’s actions. If you’re filing a federal report with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, you only have 300 days. Acting quickly is essential to making sure you meet the deadline and protect your case.

What Damages Can I Recover for Retaliation?

If you’ve suffered retaliation in the workplace, you can recover several types of damages depending on your losses. This can include back pay for lost wages, front pay if you cannot return to your job, and compensation for lost benefits. You can also pursue non-economic damages for emotional distress and mental suffering caused by the retaliation. Courts may also impose punitive damages to punish the employer for particularly harmful behavior.

What Evidence Do You Need to Prove Retaliation?

To prove retaliation, you need strong evidence that either directly shows your employer targeted you for engaging in a protected activity or that establishes a pattern of similar behavior in the past. This evidence can include emails or memos, performance reviews, witness statements, HR complaints, timing records, and copies of policy documents. A strong timeline that shows the negative treatment shortly after a complaint is especially important.

Hire a Retaliation Lawyer

As a worker in Sacramento, you have the right to report misconduct or participate in an investigation into illegal activity. More than that, you have a duty to help create a safe workplace for everyone. If your employer has taken action against you after engaging in these activities, hire a retaliation lawyer. The team at the Asbill Law Group can help you pursue compensation after you’ve been retaliated against.

Contact our team today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case. We’ll explain the state’s retaliation laws and what rights you have for pursuing compensation. We work closely with you to collect evidence of mistreatment and create a strong legal strategy, whether resolving the matter in negotiations or taking it to the Sacramento County Superior Court.