Workplace Harassment Issue? Contact Us Today!
Can I Be Fired For Reporting Workplace Harassment?
Reporting workplace harassment can be a difficult decision to make, and one that comes with the fear of retaliation from your employer. However, the law protects employees from being fired or retaliated against for reporting workplace harassment. Employers are prohibited from taking any negative action against an employee who reports harassment, and such actions are considered illegal retaliation.
Retaliation can take many forms, including termination, demotion, reduction in pay, denial of promotion, and changes in job duties. It is important to note that an employer cannot take any of these actions against an employee for reporting workplace harassment or for participating in any related investigations or legal proceedings. This protection extends to any employee who makes a good faith report of harassment, regardless of whether the allegations are ultimately proven.
If you have reported workplace harassment and believe that you have been retaliated against, it is important to take action. You have the right to file a retaliation claim against your employer and seek damages for any losses or harm that you have suffered as a result of the retaliation. This may include lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.
To prove retaliation, you must establish that you engaged in protected activity, such as reporting harassment, and that your employer took negative action against you as a result. You must also show that there is a causal connection between the protected activity and the adverse employment action. This can be challenging, as employers may try to justify their actions with other reasons, but an experienced employment attorney can help you build a strong case.
In addition to seeking damages for retaliation, you may also be able to pursue a claim for the underlying harassment. This can result in compensation for damages such as emotional distress, lost wages, and medical expenses. If the harassment was severe or pervasive, you may also be entitled to punitive damages, which are intended to punish the employer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Overall, employees should not be afraid to report workplace harassment, as they are protected from retaliation under the law. If you believe you have been retaliated against for reporting harassment, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced employment attorney who can guide you through the process of filing a retaliation claim and seeking damages.
Submit Form For Free Consultaion
About Us
About Our Law firm
We offer legal services to employees who have been victimized by workplace harassment and are dedicated to helping them obtain the justice they deserve. Our team of skilled attorneys is well-versed in employment and harassment laws and has successfully represented clients who have experienced various forms of workplace mistreatment, including discrimination and sexual harassment. We understand the complexities of harassment law and are proficient in handling legal proceedings to safeguard your rights.
Can I Be Fired For Reporting Workplace Harassment?
Reporting workplace harassment can be a challenging decision for many employees, as they may fear retaliation or even losing their jobs. However, it is important to know that it is illegal for an employer to fire or otherwise retaliate against an employee for reporting workplace harassment. This protection is provided under both federal and state law, and it is essential for employees to understand their rights in this regard.
Under federal law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits retaliation against employees who report workplace harassment or discrimination. Specifically, this law prohibits employers from taking adverse employment actions against employees who have engaged in “protected activity,” which includes reporting discriminatory behavior, filing a complaint, participating in an investigation, or opposing discriminatory practices. If an employer retaliates against an employee for engaging in protected activity, the employee may have a claim for retaliation under federal law.
Similarly, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides protection for employees who report workplace harassment or discrimination. FEHA prohibits retaliation against employees who report, testify about, or assist in any proceeding related to discrimination or harassment. In addition, California Labor Code section 1102.5 prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report violations of state or federal laws, rules, or regulations. If an employer retaliates against an employee for engaging in protected activity under these laws, the employee may have a claim for retaliation under California law.
It is important to note that in order to have a viable claim for retaliation, an employee must show that there was a causal link between the protected activity and the adverse employment action. This means that the employee must show that the employer took action against them specifically because they engaged in protected activity. This can be a difficult burden to meet, but with the assistance of an experienced employment law attorney, it is possible to build a strong case.
If an employee has been fired or otherwise retaliated against for reporting workplace harassment, there are several potential remedies available. These may include reinstatement to the same or a similar position, back pay for lost wages, compensation for emotional distress, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees and costs. The specific damages that are available will depend on the facts of the case and the applicable law, but in general, employees who have been retaliated against can seek compensation for the harm they have suffered.
In order to pursue a claim for retaliation, it is important for employees to act quickly and to document any instances of harassment or retaliation. This may include keeping a journal of incidents, preserving any relevant emails or documents, and seeking medical or counseling treatment if necessary. It is also important to report the harassment or discrimination to the appropriate person or department within the company, as failure to do so may weaken a potential claim for retaliation.
In conclusion, employees have the right to report workplace harassment or discrimination without fear of retaliation or termination. If an employee has been fired or otherwise retaliated against for engaging in protected activity, they may have a viable claim for retaliation under federal or state law. An experienced employment law attorney can assist employees in understanding their rights and in pursuing a claim for damages if they have been retaliated against.
Why Choose Us
We Believe That Victims of Workplace Harassment Deserve Justice!
Copyright © 2022